Eftakher Alam Siblu is a lead product designer in an American company, and have immense passion for coffee. He has a personal coffee bar at his home with state of the art machineries. He tells his coffee experience as well as coffee journey to Team Coffee Protidin.
1. Can you tell us about your first memorable experience with coffee?
I had my first unforgettable coffee experience when visiting Cox’s Bazar. I didn’t care much for coffee at the time because I preferred tea. I had previously tasted coffee, but I didn’t find it particularly appealing. I took my first espresso shot on September 3, 2021, while I was in Cox-Bazar in a cafe. I can still taste it in my mind; it had the ideal amount of sweetness, barely any acidity, and a lovely aftertaste. That’s when I developed an interest in coffee because the espresso shot was mind-blowingly delicious.
2. What drew you to coffee and when did you realize that you were a coffee lover?
Following my visit to Cox’s Bazar, I began to drink coffee at several cafes in Dhaka. And after drinking coffee for nearly a year, I understood I couldn’t go a day without it. I then began to purchase instant coffee for my home, but I didn’t care for it. And I believe that’s when I first released I Love Coffee.
3. What’s your favorite type of coffee and why?
Because it varies depending on my workload, the weather, and my mood, I don’t really have a single favorite kind of coffee. However, while I work at night, I normally enjoy strong coffee. Cortado, Double Shot Espresso, Ice Americano, and Cafe Latte are a few of my favorite coffee drinks. But on occasion, I also enjoy sipping a salted caramel latte. I also like the icy bite of iced coffee on a hot day.
4. How do you usually prepare your coffee at home?
I used to prepare my coffee with a Sacchi coffee maker, which is a Chinese model. However, I now have my own flagship home coffee bar in my house. To make the ideal cup of coffee, I’m constantly experimenting with new formulas and brewing techniques.
I usually follow a 1:2 ratio formula when preparing coffee. I use 18 grams of beans, and in 32 seconds, I yield 38 grams. When I’m preparing coffee, this is the sweet spot for me.
6. How has coffee impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
Coffee has added a new character to my personality. It supports my nighttime job and provides me with a boost when necessary. Having a meeting at work over a cup of coffee or catching up with friends in a cafe, I also think that coffee is a terrific way to socialize and connect with others. I personally find comfort and pleasure in coffee these days, and I look forward to my daily cup of coffee as a time of rest and pleasure.
7. Can you describe a time when coffee played a significant role in a moment or event in your life?
I can not remember now…
8. Do you have any favorite coffee shops or cafes that you frequent? What makes them special to you?
I think my favorite one is Northend. And if It’s outside of Dhaka, it’s Salt Bistro & Cafe at Cox’s Bazar.
9. How do you stay up-to-date with coffee trends and news?
Reddit and YouTube. I follow a few people on YouTube, including Whole Latte Love, James Hoffmann, and a couple of subreddits.
10. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to explore the world of coffee?
Start with a basic espresso machine, toss the pressurized basket it comes with, and purchase a non-pressurized basket instead. Purchase some coffee beans, then start brewing espresso.
Image credit: E A Siblu