Coffee Art

The single best introduction to latte art for home baristas. Dhan Tamang, UK Latte Art Champion from 2013 through 2018 and a finalist at the 2016 World Latte Art Championship, wrote this book to take anyone from a blank cup of coffee to pouring recognizable designs. It covers 60 designs across free pouring, etching, stencilling, and 3D sculpting.

Why Start Here

Most latte art resources skip the basics and jump straight into complicated patterns. Tamang does the opposite. He starts by teaching you how to create proper crema, the frothy canvas that sits on top of your espresso. Then he walks you through the foundational shapes: hearts, rosettas, and tulips. These three patterns are the building blocks of every latte art design, and he explains them with the patience and clarity of someone who has taught thousands of students.

What makes this book special is Tamang’s background as a competitor and trainer. He knows exactly where beginners get stuck: pouring too fast, holding the pitcher too high, not aerating the milk enough. His instructions address these common mistakes directly rather than assuming you already know what good microfoam feels like.

The progression from simple to complex is well-paced. Once you have the basics down, the book moves into etching (using a tool to draw in the foam), stencilling (for quick impressive results), and even 3D foam sculptures. You can stop at any level and still feel accomplished.

What to Expect

A visual, hands-on guide at 128 pages. The book is heavy on photographs and step-by-step instructions, light on theory. Tamang assumes you have access to an espresso machine with a steam wand, though he includes tips for working with simpler equipment. The designs range from a basic heart to elaborate creations like swans and unicorns. It reads quickly and works best as a reference you keep next to your machine, practicing one design at a time.