Every great story begins with passion—and when passion meets purpose, excellence follows. In the vibrant world of Bali coffee culture, where every pour tells a story of dedication and creativity, true artistry comes from heart and hard work. In this spirit, Yoga Diasa, a talented barista from Tlaga Singha, brewed his way to victory as the first-place winner of the Milklab Bali Café Creation 2025, surpassing 69 skilled participants from cafés across the island. His win celebrates not only his mastery in crafting coffee but also Bali’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation and barista talent.
A true coffee champion is never born—they are shaped through countless trials, unwavering persistence, and the courage to rise after every setback. Greatness in the coffee world, as in life, is earned through discipline, practice, and passion. Behind every cup that delights lies unseen effort: early mornings, long hours, and lessons learned from failure. Champions like Yoga Diasa grow not from comfort but from challenge, finding strength in consistency and purpose in perseverance. His journey embodies the heart of Bali’s barista spirit—resilient, inspired, and unshakably passionate.
A Celebration of Creativity and Community
From July 20 to August 15, 2025, Bali’s coffee enthusiasts rallied behind their favorite baristas through online voting while savoring free coffee during the Milklab X Wheel Brews Free Coffee Days at Level 21 Mall and Living World Mall Denpasar. The island’s collective enthusiasm became the heart of this creative festival—showcasing not just beverages, but the stories, skills, and artistry of Bali’s thriving café culture.
A Journey to the Top
After thousands of votes poured in, 12 cafés advanced to the Final Showdown, where the competition reached its peak. Ahead of the final, Milklab collaborated with Excelso at Icon Mall, Sanur, to host an exclusive Latte Lab event with Anthony Douglas, the 2022 World Barista Champion and Milklab’s Global Brand Ambassador, inspiring participants to elevate their craft.
At the grand finale, Yoga Diasa captivated the judges with his exceptional technique, creativity, and deep respect for local flavors. His winning creation—crafted with precision and a heartfelt connection to Bali’s coffee identity—stood out for its balance, visual artistry, and story.
Judged by World-Class Experts
The competition was evaluated by a prestigious panel of judges:
- Willy Sidewalk, Head Judge, author of Barista #NoCingCong, and 2011 Indonesia Barista Champion (Surabaya)
- Anthony Douglas, 2022 World Barista Champion & Milklab Global Brand Ambassador
- Yande J. Wirawan, Head Barista & Coffee Trainer at Expat Roasters, also a Global Brand Ambassador of Milklab
- Bili Yoga Wirawan, awarded Best Mixologist 2024 by Les Grandes Tables du Monde
- Karlie Cummins, Founder of Bali Buddies & Indo Buddies
Their collective expertise brought a level of prestige and professionalism that pushed every contestant to give their very best.
Victory for Passion and Dedication
Through a meticulous judging process based on taste, creativity, presentation, and overall appeal, Yoga Diasa’s performance shone brightest. His journey from the peaceful riverside of Tlaga Singha to the top podium of a national competition reflects not just individual talent, but also the resort’s commitment to nurturing local excellence.
For his remarkable achievement, Yoga received IDR 10 million in cash and a one-year supply of Milklab products worth IDR 12 million—a well-deserved reward for months of hard work, innovation, and unwavering passion.
Andre from handi Restaurant and Ngurah Andi from Dimare Restaurant took home the second and third prizes, respectively, also showcasing the strength of Bali’s growing coffee community.
More Than a Win
Yoga’s success is more than a competition victory—it’s a symbol of how Bali’s young talents are redefining hospitality and beverage artistry. His dedication inspires fellow baristas to continue experimenting, learning, and celebrating coffee as both an art and a culture.
From the tranquil grounds of Tlaga Singha, where guests come to find stillness, to the bustling stage of Milklab’s grand competition, Yoga Diasa’s story reminds us that excellence always begins with passion—brewed, crafted, and shared from the heart.
Yoga Diasa is more than a champion—he’s an inspiration to his peers and the new generation of passionate young professionals in Bali. Through his innovative creation, “Milklab,” he redefines modern beverages with refreshing, milk-based flavors that move beyond the typical soda experience. While Yoga reshapes the perception of drinking coffee as a way to relieve stress, Milklab offers a soothing alternative for those who often consume more than three cups within a short period. It resonates with Millennials and Gen Z alike—encouraging them to enjoy their moments freely and feel a sense of prestige in savoring his coffee-inspired creations more often
Experience his creations while soaking in the stunning tropical vibes of Tlaga Singha, where you can savor at Tapa Bar:
- White In Red
- Don’t Be Shy.
Or meet the artist himself and uncover the secret behind his craft.
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