June 29, 2025
We’re thrilled to celebrate Paul Ungureanu, who took out 2nd place at the 2025 World Cezve/Ibrik Championships with a routine that exemplified both precision and connection. His focus on quality control and the role of the barista as a bridge—from farm to cup—was a beautiful reminder of how intentional technique can elevate tradition.
One standout element of Paul's routine was his grind distribution technique, where he shook ground coffee in a container to round out larger particles and allow finer ones to nestle into the gaps. This simple yet brilliant step promoted even soaking and faster extraction, helping his drinks reach greater harmony and expression.
For his coffees, Paul used a honey-processed Geisha from Café Granja La Esperanza, crafting a stunning signature cezve and a classic ibrik. He served his drinks using our very own Toto series cups:
Toto 120ml (thick side) for the cezve, emphasizing richness and depth.
Toto 70ml (thick side) for the classic ibrik, letting clarity and nuance shine.
We’re so proud to see our cups continue to support brewers who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible—especially on stages like this. Congratulations again, Paul! Your work inspires us all.
— Team Ni
