Coffee enthusiasts, meet Luiz Eduardo Lahutte Motta – a barista, consultant, and event guru who weaves magic behind the scenes at SO Coffee Roasters in Porto. His passion for coffee began with his grandmother’s morning brew and has since evolved into a lifelong dedication to hospitality, connection, and excellence. In 2024, Luiz made history by winning the Portuguese Brewers Cup title, showcasing his skills on the world stage.
Luiz’s coffee journey started “by accident” in 2011, when he was recruited to work as a barista due to a kitchen injury. But it quickly became clear that this was no coincidence; Luiz excelled at every pour and grind. After briefly venturing into the media industry, he returned to his true calling – coffee.
At SO Coffee Roasters, Luiz is responsible for day-to-day operations, quality control through cuppings, and setting the playlist each day. His mission? To ensure that every guest feels welcomed, comfortable, and happy. For Luiz, a barista’s role extends far beyond brewing coffee – it’s about brightening people’s days with a warm smile, good conversation, and sincere hospitality.
The first hours of Luiz’s shift are his favorite, as he cherishes the morning’s special energy. But what truly sets his cafe apart is the connection he forges with customers while meticulously preparing their coffee. This unique bond brings an unparalleled dynamic to the coffee-making experience.
One common misconception he encounters is the notion that “the customer is always right.
To stay motivated and inspired, Luiz emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. He believes that knowledge is infinite and striving towards mastery keeps his passion burning. One common misconception he encounters is the notion that “the customer is always right.” While customers deserve respect and empathy, this belief isn’t always accurate, according to Luiz.
In 2024, Luiz competed in and won the Portuguese Brewers Cup, earning a spot on the world stage. The experience was emotionally intense but rewarding, as he represented his country alongside industry greats. To succeed in coffee competitions, Luiz advises keeping in mind that we are all human beings with feelings of tension and nervousness. Despite these emotions, it’s crucial to approach competition with affection and admiration for the craft.
Specialty coffee is Luiz’s mantra – he believes it should be accessible to everyone. Apart from coffee, his passions include sports, drawing, typography, and calligraphy. In Porto, he finds inspiration in fellow professionals who teach without preaching, and within SO Coffee Roasters, he feels fortunate to work alongside Rui and Giullia, two of the best in the industry.
As for future projects, Luiz is keeping his cards close to his chest – but if all goes well, we’ll soon hear more exciting news from this extraordinary barista!
1. Luiz Eduardo Lahutte Motta’s passion for coffee began with his grandmother and has grown into a lifelong dedication to hospitality and connection. 2. Luiz believes that knowledge is never enough, and continuous learning and self-improvement are key to mastering the craft of coffee-making. 3. Specialty coffee should be accessible to everyone, according to Luiz, who emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers to entry in the industry.
CLOSE: What sets Luiz apart is his genuine connection with customers and passion for excellence. Have you experienced this level of hospitality at a local cafe? Share your stories below!
Questions & Answers
Who is Luiz Eduardo Lahutte Motta?
Luiz Eduardo Lahutte Motta is the founder of SO Coffee Roasters, a renowned coffee shop in Porto, Portugal.
What makes SO Coffee Roasters unique?
SO Coffee Roasters stands out for its commitment to sustainability and direct trade relationships with farmers, ensuring high-quality, ethically sourced beans.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
