Barista jobs in Nepal: coffee skills, training and how to get hired
What a barista does, how to learn espresso and milk skills in Nepal, how to get your first cafe job and how baristas grow into trainers, roasters and owners.
3 October 20264 min read
A barista makes coffee drinks to a standard, keeps the machine in good order and looks after customers at the counter. Cafes have spread across Kathmandu, Pokhara and other cities, and bakeries, hotels, bars and restaurants hire baristas too. Nepal also grows its own coffee in the mid-hills, so there is real interest in good coffee.
What does a barista do?
Makes espresso drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, mocha and iced coffee.
Steams milk to the right texture, and pours latte art in many cafes.
Adjusts the grinder so shots taste right through the day.
Cleans the espresso machine, grinder and counter every shift.
Takes orders and payments, and keeps the counter stocked.
Skills and training
A barista course from a training cafe or institute. Many run for a few days or weeks.
Consistency: the hundredth latte should taste like the first.
Speed in a morning rush without losing quality.
Hygiene and machine care.
Friendly service. Regular customers return for the person as well as the coffee.
How to start with no experience
Take a short barista course and practise as much as you can.
Apply as a cafe assistant or counter staff and learn on the machine.
Practise milk steaming and latte art. Post short videos you can show at interviews.