‘I drink coffee for the taste, not the caffeine.’ As the Netherlands' best barista, Teddie Kuiper is passionate about exceptional coffee—and great company. She thrives in bustling environments and can't stand solitude.
You've been crowned the best barista in the Netherlands and even wear a coffee bean ring… Could you live without coffee?
'No way! I'm hooked on coffee. That said, I function perfectly fine without it—as long as it's not good coffee. I'd rather skip it than settle for subpar brews. Recently in Mallorca, the coffee disappointed, so I went a week without. I savor coffee for its flavor, not the buzz. At home, I enjoy it even more.'
What's your favorite coffee?
'Tough one… Just like an oenologist can't pick the single best wine, I can't name one coffee. The flavor spectrum is vast—every bean from every region is unique. Indonesian beans bring earthy notes, African ones offer fruity citrus vibes, and Central-South American varieties pack a punch with chocolate or caramel undertones. My choice varies by day, time, and mood. At home, I love filter coffee from freshly ground beans for their subtle complexity. Out and about, I opt for espresso or cappuccino.'
Do you ever grab coffee from chains like Starbucks?
'Honestly? No. I'm grateful they popularized coffee culture—before Starbucks, few spots specialized in it. But they've grown too big, prioritizing quantity over quality…'
What's the best milk for frothing? Teddie shares her expert pick here.
Read the full interview in the September issue of Santé.
About Teddie
Teddie Kuiper (25) was named the Netherlands' best barista in 2016. As Teddie Koffie, she freelances at global events, leads barista workshops, and consults catering businesses on equipment, beans, and crafting perfect coffee. A graduate in International Business, she lives in The Hague with her boyfriend.
Photography: Bart Honingh | Make-up: Linda Huiberts
