“What inspires me daily is the work itself,” says barista and coffee consultant Suraj Bhandari from Nepal, now based in Dubai. This ex-pat found his passion in specialty coffee, championing Nepali coffee on the global stage. His story reflects the journeys of countless individuals who leave home in search of better opportunities—and discover something extraordinary along the way.
Suraj Bhandari is brewing coffee with AeroPress
Suraj Bhandari first arrived in Dubai in 2017 and started working as a waiter in a café. Six months later, his manager, Sumit Jatwani, noticed his fascination with the barista station and encouraged him to step behind the espresso machine. Suraj dove in with curiosity, initially drawn by the artistry of latte art. But as time passed, he realized that coffee goes far beyond stunning pours and creative foam designs. By 2019, he had transitioned fully into the specialty coffee world, exploring every step of the bean’s journey—from the high-altitude farms where it’s grown to the careful roasting processes that shape each flavor.
A defining moment for Suraj came when he tasted a cup of Nepali coffee that blended the essence of Ethiopian florals, Brazilian chocolate notes, and Colombian nuttiness—all while maintaining a distinct Nepali identity. That experience ignited a deep pride in his homeland’s potential, driving him to introduce these unique beans to a broader audience. Wanting to highlight Nepal’s coffee scene, he participated in events like the World of Coffee in Dubai (2021) and the first Nepali National Coffee Competition, representing the hard work of Nepali farmers and connecting with industry experts from around the world.
Despite these meaningful milestones, Suraj humbly admits he hasn’t won any trophies or grand accolades.
Suraj Bhandari
“Honestly, I haven’t won any awards… but that doesn’t make me any less of a barista.”
For him, success lies in the small but impactful moments: training a new barista, helping someone ace a café interview, or simply serving an excellent cup that tells the story of every hand involved. Suraj believes the barista’s role is central to bridging farmers, roasters, and coffee lovers across different cultures, proving that titles aren’t the only measure of worth in this community.
Like many who relocate to Dubai, Suraj felt the challenges of adapting to a new environment. Learning to balance work, personal growth, and cultural differences pushed him to see coffee as more than just a profession—it became a universal language connecting people from all walks of life. Seeking to give back to his home country, he co-founded a coffee training institute in Nepal, empowering future baristas by sharing the skills and knowledge he gained abroad.
Today, Suraj continues to hone his craft as an Operations Manager and Coffee Consultant. He hasn’t forgotten the mentors who shaped his journey: from Dhan Tamang to Kunga Ghale, Rowbean da, Nipen da, Dipen da, Deepak da, Bibek da, and Baucha—each played a role in his growth, reminding him of the community spirit at the heart of coffee. Suraj’s work remains deeply tied to this sense of connection; whether he’s guiding café staff in Dubai or collaborating with farmers back in Nepal, he carries the lessons of his mentors with gratitude.
If you’d like to meet Suraj Bhandari in person, you can find him at Monty Café in Al Khawaneej, Dubai. Just give him a call or message beforehand to confirm his schedule, and be prepared to taste something special. If you’re in Nepal, he’s open to meeting fellow coffee enthusiasts in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dharan, or anywhere that sparks a conversation about great coffee. Suraj’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing opportunity, honoring your roots, and using coffee to bridge worlds.
What’s your coffee story? We’d love to hear it. Share your experiences in the comments, and keep exploring the possibilities that arise from a single cup of coffee. After all, every pour has a tale—and yours might just be the next one to inspire us all.
What’s Your Coffee Story?
