It’s not just coffee, it’s my story in a cup: Suhas Dwarkanath

From growing beans to roasting, brewing and teaching, coffee is woven into every part of Suhas Dwarkanath’s life. “This keeps my family happy and gives me purpose. I’m just thankful this beverage exists — it has given me the life I have today,” says India’s Barista Champion, who has not only built a globally recognised specialty coffee brand, Benki Coffee, but also challenged Bengaluru’s deeply rooted filter coffee culture — proving that tradition and innovation can coexist.

Beneath the titles and trophies, he remains the same South Bengaluru boy who once cycled past cafés, dressed up just to sit among the ‘cool kids’, and dreamed of belonging to that world. “I’ve always been a South Bengaluru boy. My parents are here, my memories are here, and I understand the people here,” he states.

His journey into coffee wasn’t inherited or planned. After completing a double degree, he told his parents he wanted to open a café. They encouraged him to pursue a more stable career instead — a decision that took him to Dubai. “My exposure to global coffee culture there made me realise there was so much more to coffee than just running a coffee shop,” he says. Back home however, he recalls, “Everyone said specialty coffee won’t work here because filter coffee is too strong a tradition. But I’ve always believed that where people say something won’t work, that’s where the opportunity lies.” He went on to study the craft, earn a diploma, become a trainer, judge competitions, and eventually return to India. Fifteen years later, coffee isn’t just his profession — it is his world. As Bangalore Times’ Headliner, Suhas talks about coffee, competition and calling Bengaluru home. Excerpts from a chat:

‘Competition is essential for growth’
Over the years, the industry has taught him lessons that extend far beyond coffee. “There are three things I’ve learned: let go of jealousy, hatred and greed. If you focus only on money, your creativity will suffer.” He believes competition is essential for growth. “This year, two of my own team members competed with me. I won, but I was proud of them. At the same time, they scare me. If I don’t keep learning, they’ll beat me next year,” he points out. On a lighter note, Suhas says, brewing coffee goes beyond technique; it is an act of creativity. “When a barista blends flavours, they create a unique taste. You’re painting a picture on someone’s palate,” he explains.

‘Social media brings responsibility’
“I used to think it was a waste of time. But I realised how wrong I was. If you don’t showcase what you do, people won’t know about it and that brings recognition — but also responsibility. If you’re doing something meaningful, you should put it out there,” notes Suhas.

'Barista championships are not just about coffee — they’re about storytelling’
“Preparing for a barista championship demands far more than perfecting a brew. It starts almost a year in advance. You need the right coffee, a strong concept and a compelling story. The competition is 15 minutes of storytelling while serving 12 beverages — four espressos, four milk drinks and four signature drinks. It’s not just about coffee. It’s about your story, your idea and how you connect everything,” he shares.

‘My family held everything together’
Behind the accolades stands a steadfast support system. “My wife, Divya, has been a huge part of this journey,” he says. “When we started the business, money was tight. She quit her job in 2019 to work with me full-time. At one point, I was travelling nearly 280 days a year. She held everything together back home. Today, with a team of 70 people, her role focuses more on finances. Their three-year-old son, meanwhile, has added a new dimension to our lives. He comes to the office after school and spends the day with us. He’s given me a new purpose,” states Suhas.


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