Wakuli Meent

A new coffee bar has recently opened in the center of Rotterdam, quickly becoming a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts. Wakuli Meent, part of the Dutch coffee brand Wakuli, offers a unique experience for coffee drinkers seeking not only high-quality brews but also an ethically responsible way to consume their coffee.

Wakuli is a coffee company with a clear mission: shortening the traditional coffee supply chain, paying farmers more fairly, and roasting and serving high-grade beans directly in their own cafés. The Meent branch, opened in March 2025, is one of the first two locations in Rotterdam and has rapidly established itself as a top destination for the city’s coffee lovers.

Wakuli’s philosophy combines accessibility with education, aiming to showcase the origin and flavors of specialty coffee. Simultaneously, the company promotes sustainability and fairness within the supply chain, focusing on transparency and direct partnerships with coffee farmers worldwide.

The coffee bar primarily serves Wakuli’s own roasted beans, sourced directly from their partner farmers across the globe. These beans are light-roasted to ensure the unique characteristics of their origin are fully highlighted. The menu features classic espresso drinks like cappuccinos and filter coffee, alongside more adventurous options such as coconut cold brew, nitro cold brew, and a banana bread matcha latte, pushing the boundaries of traditional coffee offerings.

The baristas guide customers in choosing the right brewing method and beans, encouraging them to explore the nuances of flavor and technique, from classic espresso to alternative methods like filter coffee.

While specific recurring events aren’t easily found online, the vibe at Wakuli Meent is well-known. The cozy atmosphere, great music, and reliable wifi make the café a popular spot for students, freelancers, and coffee enthusiasts looking for a pleasant workspace. The staff goes beyond simply serving coffee; they provide personalized recommendations, fostering a strong connection with their regulars.

Wakuli emphasizes its mission for ethical coffee production and community awareness, both within the café and across their social channels, cementing the brand’s reputation within the local coffee culture.

One of the core pillars of Wakuli is their focus on direct trade and ethical sourcing practices. By cutting out the middlemen, farmers receive a fairer price for their beans. This is a vital part of Wakuli’s sustainability strategy, which also aims to minimize waste through the efficient packaging and shipping of fresh products.

While specific details regarding local partnerships for milk or pastries at the Meent location are unavailable, it is clear that the company is committed to quality ingredients and responsible practices across all aspects of their operations.

While Wakuli Meent has yet to win any major industry awards, the café has earned glowing reviews. It is frequently praised for the quality of its coffee, the expertise of the staff, and its welcoming atmosphere, boasting an average rating of 4.3/5. The café is often recommended as one of the top coffee destinations in the center of Rotterdam.

The rapid expansion of the Wakuli brand into other cities such as Amsterdam, Den Haag, Utrecht, and Nijmegen demonstrates its growing recognition within the Dutch specialty coffee scene and highlights the success of their mission.

Wakuli Meent is more than just a coffee bar – it is a place where coffee is honored in its purest form, with respect for both the origin and the sustainability of the product. For coffee lovers in Rotterdam, it offers a unique experience, and as the brand grows across the Netherlands, Wakuli is expected to leave a lasting impact on the country’s coffee culture.