Sango Specialty Coffee Roasters

More About Sango Specialty Coffee Roasters

Sango Specialty Coffee Roasters: precision and personality in the heart of Amsterdam

Sango Specialty Coffee Roasters opened in 2021 in the center of Amsterdam. The micro-roastery links sustainable choices with personal service, inspired by the Japanese "mottainai" ethos. The brand positions itself as small, agile, and transparent. The combination of bar and roastery makes product quality transparent at the counter, allowing guests to connect directly with the makers.

History and Location

The coffee bar and micro-roastery are located in a national monument from 1670 featuring a traditional bell gable, at Stromarkt 15, 1012 SW. The multi-level space blends historical architecture with a design-forward interior. The physical roasting elements are part of the experience, making origin, process, and flavor tangible for visitors.

The People Behind the Brand

Sango was founded and is led by Kaho Onuki and Mitchell La Grouw Onuki. Mitchell manages the roast profiles, recipe development, and design, as recently confirmed in interviews. The organization scales modestly, with a staff size between two and ten employees according to company profile information.

Roasting Philosophy and Equipment

The roasting philosophy focuses on origin expression, utilizing light to medium profiles. Production relies on IMF equipment to ensure consistent results across small batches. In 2023, the setup evolved to include an off-site 15 kg Giesen and an in-store 1.5 kg sample roaster. Regular cuppings and competition prep, featuring late-stage quality rounds, underscore a deep-rooted culture of quality.

Instrumented Quality Control

Refractometers are used in workshops to precisely measure extraction and strength. This data-driven culture translates directly into product development, training, and service. As a result, recipes are better aligned with the intended flavor profiles for both filter and espresso, ensuring clear, reproducible results at the bar.

Sourcing Model and Producer Relationships

Traceability and sustainability are central, achieved through direct relationships or specialized importers. From Ethiopia, Sango works with producers Morka Buche and Tesfaye Wanjo via KAWA. From Colombia, releases include La Reserva from Jacinto and Jheysson, linked to the El Paraiso project via CAFEGA. The 2025 competition coffees feature several Colombian microlots, including lots from Rodrigo Sánchez and “Bella Alejandria”.

Portfolio, Flavors, and Signature Releases

The offering rotates through various origins and processes for both filter and espresso. The “PEARLS” line focuses on rare varieties and experimental processing, featuring gems like Los Naranjos, Panama Gesha. Single origin Banko Gotiti from Ethiopia appears as an anaerobic washed from Gedeo, Kochere, with named producers. The portfolio balances clarity, aromatic complexity, and sweetness.

Flavor profile at a glance, based on a recent competition blend:

“Brewers Cup ’25, Competition Blend” featuring three Colombian lots
Notes: orange blossom, strawberry, concord grape, passion fruit, blood orange

Education, Workshops, and Community

Sango offers private workshops in Dutch and English, covering Barista Skills, Latte Art, Tasting, and Brewing. In 2025, bookings typically fall between 16:00 and 18:00 on selected days, with quarterly booking windows. Origami drippers and refractometer measurements help participants immediately understand and apply the principles of extraction.

Workshop Offerings:

Barista Skills
Latte Art
Tasting
Brewing

Sustainability and Impact

Through the "Mori Initiative," one tree is donated via Trees for All for every six bags sold. Between August 2021 and April 1, 2024, 357 trees were planted. Their communication emphasizes climate awareness and low-CO₂ practices, encouraging conversations with guests about sustainable routines to blend real-world impact with awareness.

Competitions and Media

Mitchell La Grouw Onuki secured second place at the Dutch Brewers Cup 2025, following another second-place finish at the Dutch Latte Art Championship in 2024. In 2025, the company gained further traction through an extensive profile and a separate review highlighting the location and menu, increasing its visibility within the specialty community.

Wholesale and Partnerships

Sango actively invites inquiries for wholesale, guest roasting, and subscriptions via an intake process. The brand is an official dealer for ECM, Acaia, and Origami. As of October 2025, the names of wholesale clients are not public, aligning with a focused, producer-driven positioning.

Practical Information

Address: Stromarkt 15, 1012 SW Amsterdam. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:30–16:00, Sunday 09:00–16:00. Located near the Singelgracht, this 17th-century building houses a bar, micro-roastery, and training center, bringing craftsmanship, origin, and hospitality together under one roof.

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