Barista: Definition, Responsibilities, and Essential Skills

You've probably heard the term "barista" before, right? This term is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people.

With the proliferation of cafes and coffee shops, the term barista has become increasingly popular. Baristas play a vital role in the customer experience beyond simply making coffee.

This article will discuss the duties of a barista and the skills they must master so you can better understand this profession.

What is a Barista?

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A barista is someone who prepares and serves coffee with in-depth skill and knowledge.

Baristas are not just coffee makers, but also experts in selecting coffee beans, processing them with the best techniques, and creating a special coffee drinking experience.

Being a barista requires training, precision, and creativity. From operating the espresso machine to creating latte art, every step is executed with great skill.

A barista must also understand the flavor characteristics of coffee to serve drinks that suit customers' preferences. This is what makes the barista profession increasingly valued in the coffee world.

In addition, there are several types of baristas based on their experience and responsibilities, such as:

Head Barista

The head barista is the leader behind the coffee bar. They ensure every drink meets the highest quality standards, train the team, and manage daily operations.

Junior Barista

Junior baristas are those just starting out in the world of coffee. They learn basic brewing techniques, understand the characteristics of coffee beans, and practice providing the best possible experience for their customers.

Mobile Barista

A mobile barista is a barista who works outside of a coffee shop, usually using a coffee cart or van to serve coffee at various locations.

Barista Duties and Responsibilities

Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a barista:

1. Mixing and Serving Drinks

A barista is responsible for mixing and serving drinks that meet quality standards.

Not just coffee, but also other drinks like chocolate, teh tarik, and Thai tea. Each shop has its own unique serving method, from manual brew to espresso machine.

2. Caring for and Cleaning the Coffee Machine

The performance of an espresso machine depends heavily on its maintenance. Baristas must ensure that every component, such asportafilter And steam wand, always in clean condition.

Portafilter can be soaked in hot water, whilesteam wandneeds to be wiped with a special damp cloth after use.

3. Maintaining the Cleanliness and Tidiness of the Shop

Customer comfort begins with a clean environment. Baristas need to ensure the cashier area, tables, and kitchen are kept tidy. A clean coffee shop creates a more enjoyable experience and encourages customers to return.

4. Serve Customers in a Friendly Manner

Interacting with customers is a crucial part of a barista's job. In addition to taking orders, baristas are also responsible for processing payments. Skill in operating the cash register and maintaining a friendly demeanor will enhance customer satisfaction.

5. Provide Menu Recommendations

Every customer has different preferences. Some already know their favorite coffee types, while others need recommendations. Baristas must be able to explain the characteristics of each drink to help customers find the best option.

6. Processing Transactions

Some coffee shops also assign baristas to process customer transactions. Both cash and digital payments must be processed accurately and quickly.

Read also:Duties and Responsibilities of a Cashier That You Must Know

Skills a Barista Needs

Behind every perfect cup of coffee, a barista needs a great deal of skill and dedication. Here are some of the skills a barista must possess:

1. Understanding Coffee in Depth

A barista must have a thorough understanding of coffee, from bean types, acidity levels, and brewing methods. For example, Arabica coffee has a more acidic flavor than Robusta.

Additionally, grind size, milk steaming temperature, and roasting technique also influence flavor. Mastering these techniques and knowledge allows a barista to produce the highest quality coffee.

2. Good Communication Skills

Coffee is an art, and interacting with customers is part of that art. Baristas must be able to explain the menu, recommend coffee options, and provide promotional information in a friendly and informative manner.

Communication skills are also important in a team to ensure that shop operations run smoothly without miscommunication.

3. Solid Teamwork

When a coffee shop reaches peak hours, team coordination is crucial. Dividing tasks, such as preparing orders, handling payments, and maintaining a clean work area, will help create an efficient work rhythm. Without effective collaboration, the customer experience can suffer.

4. Multitasking

At one time, a barista can take orders, operate the cash register, prepare drinks, and still provide friendly service.

Multitasking skills are essential to ensure that every order is served quickly without sacrificing quality.

Accuracy and good time management are the keys to success in handling multiple tasks at once.

5. Detail and Accuracy in Every Process

Serving perfect coffee requires attention to detail. A barista must ensure that customers' orders are prepared as requested, understand their specific needs, and maintain clean equipment.

Careful attention to small details such as the order of serving and the measurements of ingredients will have a big impact on customer satisfaction.

6. Customer Service Skills

More than just serving drinks, a barista is the face of a coffee shop. A friendly demeanor, prompt service, and a desire to provide the best possible experience will foster customer loyalty.

Good service can make customers come back, even become loyal customers.

Read also:Examples of Food Product Advertisements That Successfully Attract Buyers

Barista Salary Range in Indonesia

Besides duties and skills, what often piques curiosity about this profession is the salary. Barista salaries in Indonesia vary widely and are influenced by several important factors, such as work experience, shop location, and the scale of the business where the barista works.

For junior barista, salaries are generally in the range ofRp2,000,000 to Rp3,000,000 per monthThis rate typically applies to beginner baristas who are new to the coffee world and are still learning basic brewing techniques and customer service.

Meanwhile, barista with intermediate experiencecan earn a salary of aroundIDR 3,000,000 to IDR 4,500,000 per monthAt this level, baristas are more adept at operating espresso machines, understanding coffee characteristics, and able to work at a fast pace during peak hours.

For the positionhead barista, salaries tend to be higher, namely ranging betweenIDR 5,000,000 to IDR 7,000,000 per month, depending on the responsibility and size of the store.

The head barista is usually tasked with setting drink quality standards, training the team, and assisting with the operational management of the coffee bar.In addition to the basic salary, many baristas also receive additional income in the form of service fees, customer tips, sales incentives, or certain bonuses.

In some coffee shops, baristas also get other facilities such as meals, coffee training, and the opportunity to take part in barista competitions.The higher the skills and experience you have, the greater the potential income you can earn.

FAQs About the Barista Profession

1. What kind of job is a barista?

A barista is a professional responsible for preparing and serving coffee and other beverages using specialized techniques. Baristas also play a crucial role in creating a unique customer experience while enjoying coffee at a coffee shop.

2. Does a barista have to be able to do latte art?

Latte art is not an absolute obligation, but it is an added value. Many coffee shops make latte art a visual standard and attraction, especially to increase customer satisfaction.

3. What are the main skills a barista must have?

Baristas need to understand coffee, be good at communicating, be able to multitask, be meticulous, and possess excellent customer service skills. Teamwork is also crucial, especially during busy times.

4. What is the salary range for baristas in Indonesia?

Barista salaries vary. Junior baristas typically earn around Rp 2,000,000-Rp 3,000,000 per month. Experienced baristas can earn Rp 3,000,000-Rp 4,500,000. Meanwhile, head baristas can earn anywhere from Rp 5,000,000 to Rp 7,000,000 per month, depending on the business scale and location of the shop.

5. What factors influence barista salary?

Barista salaries are influenced by work experience, position, shop location, operating hours, and business reputation. Additional income can also come from tips, service fees, and sales bonuses.

Conclusion

Barista is a profession that combines creativity, expertise, and the best service.

With a wide range of skills to master, this role is not only exciting but also crucial in creating a memorable coffee experience.

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