Spicekix Coffee Lab

In the heart of Rotterdam, in the Kralingen-Crooswijk district, Spicekix Coffee Lab opened its doors in the summer of 2023. The café is the culmination of owner Ahmed Mahla’s seven years of experience roasting coffee for others. His passion for coffee drove him to create a space where he could not only share his specialty coffee but also connect directly with the coffee drinkers.

Spicekix Coffee Lab blends science with art. The café features a minimalist, lab-inspired interior where the roasting process and the equipment take center stage. This aligns perfectly with their slogan “Where science meets art”. It is a place where precision and experimentation go hand in hand, both in the process and in the experience they offer their guests.

The coffee offering at Spicekix is unique. They roast their own beans in-house, focusing primarily on ultra-light profiles to showcase the natural flavors of high-quality Arabica coffee with an SCA score of 86+. From single origins to experimental co-ferments, the selection is diverse and exciting. The menu includes meticulously prepared V60 filter coffees, signature drinks such as espresso tonics, and innovative creations like Matcha Tiramisu lattes.

Additionally, the café offers region-inspired spiced coffees that reflect global coffee cultures. The brewing methods are versatile, ranging from classic manual options to cold brew prepared with specialized equipment, underscoring their commitment to precise extraction and experimentation.

Spicekix is more than just a café; it is a hub for coffee enthusiasts to dive deeper into the world of coffee. Guests can participate in cupping sessions, learn more about various coffee varieties and brewing methods, and engage with passionate staff who love to share their knowledge. While there is no fixed event calendar, the café actively participates in major coffee festivals such as the Amsterdam Coffee Festival and World of Coffee, highlighting its involvement in the broader specialty coffee community.

The space has a welcoming and laptop-friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both coffee lovers and remote workers who enjoy both great coffee and a comfortable workspace.

Spicekix emphasizes direct sourcing and transparency with coffee producers. The café has built strong relationships with farmers in coffee-producing countries such as Ethiopia, Brazil, and Colombia. They focus on small, traceable lots that celebrate the specific characteristics of their origin. The roastery is committed to showcasing single origins and detailed processing notes, emphasizing the importance of ethical and informative sourcing.

Spicekix also offers coffee equipment, beans, and accessories for home use, encouraging customers to enjoy their coffee sustainably beyond the café walls.

Spicekix has built a strong local reputation and is highly regarded among the specialty coffee bars of Rotterdam. The location holds a Google Maps rating of approximately 4.5/5 and frequently appears in curated lists of the city’s best coffee shops. The café is also featured in specialized coffee guides and blogs, which highlight Spicekix’s innovative approach to brewing and its unique style.

While no major national awards have been granted yet, Spicekix’s presence at key coffee festivals and positive press in local coffee publications demonstrate its growing recognition within the specialty coffee community.