Esther Maasdam, Global Latte Artist for Le Méridien brand, on Tuesday had a meeting with local media to share her knowledge and inspiration for coffee at Latitude 10 Bar and Lounge of the Le Méridien Saigon Hotel in District 1.

During a three-hour workshop, Maasdam shared her passion for coffee and her journey to become a member of Le Méridien’ LM100 Creative Community, a group of cultural innovators of mixed generations, chosen from the fields of art, architecture, cuisine, and design to offer their creativity and develop original and interactive programs for Le Méridien hotels worldwide that will transform the guest experience.

Le Méridien appointed Esther Maasdam as the first Global Latte Artist for the brand to reinforce its commitment to coffee culture via a program where she created 12 destination inspired latte art designs in 2014.

The Dutch Latte Champion from 2011 to 2014 told the Daily that it was interesting as Vietnamese people both stick to the traditional style of coffee drinking and adapt to the new style of coffee blending.

During the trip to Vietnam, she has had a chance to meet many local baristas who have talent and passion to develop their careers.

The 30-year-old latte artist said that spreading the knowledge and passion about specialty coffee is her main goal and is also what keeps her going.

Maasdam will also attend the three-day Vietnam International Café Show from on May 12 until Saturday at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC) in HCMC’s District 7.

The show, which is organized by Seoul-based Exporum Inc., the organizer of Seoul International Café Show since 2002, will include the 1st Vietnam National Barista Championship to find a Vietnamese representative at 2016 World Barista Championship in Dublin, Ireland in June.