My name is Khizar Mukhtiar, and I am 21 years old. In the coffee community, people recognize me for the style of video content I create on my social media platforms, all centered around coffee. Originally from Multan, Punjab, my family moved to Karachi, Sindh, when I was quite young. I have always enjoyed traveling across the country. On one of these trips, I asked my mother to fund my expenses. She told me that from my next trip onwards, I should finance my travels myself. At that time, I was in 10th grade, and after returning from a trip to the north, a friend helped me secure a job at a small commercial coffee brand. That was my first interaction with coffee.
Finding My Mentor & The Journey to Specialty Coffee
Throughout my coffee journey, Hammad has been my mentor. He worked at the same café as me and was later promoted to supervisor at one of the branches where I was transferred. He was a latte art fanatic, and under his guidance, my love for filmmaking and his passion for latte art brought us together—we learned a lot from each other.
When I decided to move to specialty coffee, I reached out to Islam, the Head of Coffee at Nomad Coffee Studio, for guidance. This transition led me to Vox Coffee, where I experienced tremendous growth—both in customer service and coffee-making skills. I believe no other place could have helped me develop as much as Vox did.
Introduction to Specialty Coffee
Before joining Nomad Coffee Studio, I had never heard of specialty coffee, let alone made it. I had no idea about proper brewing ratios, the mathematics behind extraction, or the different brewing methods. At Nomad, I learned about specialty coffee techniques, equipment like the AeroPress, V60, and drippers, and the differences between them. I also developed an understanding of flavor profiles, tasting notes, and coffee origins. Initially, my go-to coffee was a latte, but over time, I switched to espresso every morning. After joining Vox Coffee, I discovered the cortado, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since!
Challenges & Growth in Coffee
The most challenging part of my journey was understanding different brewing methods and their mechanics. However, continuous training at Nomad Coffee Studio helped me grasp these techniques. In the barista community, I have learned a great deal from Islam Bhai, and when it comes to specialty coffee knowledge, Nomad has been a huge influence on my growth. My long-term goal is to pursue further certifications and eventually open my own coffee shops in Karachi.
The Evolving Coffee Culture in Karachi
The coffee culture in Karachi has changed significantly, thanks to pioneers like Nomad Coffee Studio, which not only educate baristas like me but also help customers learn about specialty coffee. The last time I visited Nomad, I got the chance to explore the Clever Dripper and the French Press.
Advice for Aspiring Baristas
For up-and-coming baristas, my advice is simple: ☕ Stay focused on your craft—keep learning and improving. 📱 Maintain a social media presence—it’s almost essential for baristas today. 🎥 Showcase your work through reels—whether it’s latte art or a pour-over technique, sharing your skills can inspire others and build your reputation.
Future Plans & Final Thoughts
In 10 years, I see myself owning multiple coffee shops while also focusing on property dealing, ensuring both ventures complement each other. You can find me on Instagram: @Barista_Khizar.
Barista Khizar Mukhtiar
My name is Khizar Mukhtiar, and I am 21 years old. In the coffee community, people recognize me for the style of video content I create on my social media platforms, all centered around coffee. Originally from Multan, Punjab, my family moved to Karachi, Sindh, when I was quite young. I have always enjoyed traveling across the country. On one of these trips, I asked my mother to fund my expenses. She told me that from my next trip onwards, I should finance my travels myself. At that time, I was in 10th grade, and after returning from a trip to the north, a friend helped me secure a job at a small commercial coffee brand. That was my first interaction with coffee.
Finding My Mentor & The Journey to Specialty Coffee
Throughout my coffee journey, Hammad has been my mentor. He worked at the same café as me and was later promoted to supervisor at one of the branches where I was transferred. He was a latte art fanatic, and under his guidance, my love for filmmaking and his passion for latte art brought us together—we learned a lot from each other.
When I decided to move to specialty coffee, I reached out to Islam, the Head of Coffee at Nomad Coffee Studio, for guidance. This transition led me to Vox Coffee, where I experienced tremendous growth—both in customer service and coffee-making skills. I believe no other place could have helped me develop as much as Vox did.
Introduction to Specialty Coffee
Before joining Nomad Coffee Studio, I had never heard of specialty coffee, let alone made it. I had no idea about proper brewing ratios, the mathematics behind extraction, or the different brewing methods. At Nomad, I learned about specialty coffee techniques, equipment like the AeroPress, V60, and drippers, and the differences between them. I also developed an understanding of flavor profiles, tasting notes, and coffee origins.
Initially, my go-to coffee was a latte, but over time, I switched to espresso every morning. After joining Vox Coffee, I discovered the cortado, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since!
Challenges & Growth in Coffee
The most challenging part of my journey was understanding different brewing methods and their mechanics. However, continuous training at Nomad Coffee Studio helped me grasp these techniques.
In the barista community, I have learned a great deal from Islam Bhai, and when it comes to specialty coffee knowledge, Nomad has been a huge influence on my growth. My long-term goal is to pursue further certifications and eventually open my own coffee shops in Karachi.
The Evolving Coffee Culture in Karachi
The coffee culture in Karachi has changed significantly, thanks to pioneers like Nomad Coffee Studio, which not only educate baristas like me but also help customers learn about specialty coffee. The last time I visited Nomad, I got the chance to explore the Clever Dripper and the French Press.
Advice for Aspiring Baristas
For up-and-coming baristas, my advice is simple:
☕ Stay focused on your craft—keep learning and improving.
📱 Maintain a social media presence—it’s almost essential for baristas today.
🎥 Showcase your work through reels—whether it’s latte art or a pour-over technique, sharing your skills can inspire others and build your reputation.
Future Plans & Final Thoughts
In 10 years, I see myself owning multiple coffee shops while also focusing on property dealing, ensuring both ventures complement each other.
You can find me on Instagram: @Barista_Khizar.