Sangdo-dong coffee shop: choco einspänner, cold brew, Coffee by Hands

I found a coffee spot that roasts its own beans, tucked between Sangdo Station and Soongsil University Station on Line 7.

I took a half-day off to get my car repaired, and while waiting I ate sundaetguk (blood sausage soup) at my soul-food spot, Gijeolchopung Wang Sundae, then walked one minute to this Sangdong café.

How to find Coffee by Hands Roastery from Sangdo Station

Walking straight through the alley between the residential area and the market shops, a blue awning sign catches your eye.

Coffee by Hands Roastery menu and prices

COFFEE (ICE / HOT)

• ★ Einspänner [SIGNATURE]: ₩4,800 (a perfect harmony of cream and coffee)
• Spanish Latte: ₩4,500 (rich condensed milk and smooth latte)
• Americano: ₩3,500
• Café Latte: ₩4,000
• Vanilla Latte: ₩4,500
• Hazelnut Latte: ₩4,500
• Dutch Americano: ₩4,000
• Dutch Café Latte: ₩4,500

NON-COFFEE (ICE / HOT)

• ★ Choco Choco Einspänner [SIGNATURE]: ₩5,300 (a harmony of deep chocolate and smooth cream)
• Earl Einspänner: ₩5,300
• Ghirardelli Choco Latte: ₩4,500
• Matcha Latte: ₩4,500
• Earl Grey Tea Latte: ₩4,500
• Peach Iced Tea: ₩3,300

Choco Choco Einspänner, 5,300 won: how thick is the cream?

I heard this place was famous for its Einspänner, but after some deliberation I ended up ordering the Choco Choco Einspänner instead.

The effort it took to capture this thickness on camera... haha. The deep, rich chocolate flavor and the dense cream went together beautifully, and it was genuinely delicious. Some places just taste like a Ppa-bi-co ice bar, but here the cocoa powder itself had a dark, deep flavor that was exactly my taste! Seeing they also have a Ghirardelli Choco Latte on the menu, I wonder if this one has Ghirardelli chocolate in it too — that would explain the flavor!

Since it's decaf, even people who can't drink coffee can enjoy it, and mocha lovers could add a shot for extra flavor. I was planning to take home some Dutch coffee to drink at the office later, so I got to savor the cream on its own, without coffee.

Three seats, a La Marzocco, and beans roasted on site

The interior isn't large, but there are three seats — just enough to sit and wait, or to stop in for a quick, cozy drink.

With a La Marzocco machine and the owner roasting beans right there in the shop, a Sangdong café like this can't possibly taste bad.

Bulk orders for thank-you gifts and corporate events

This Sangdong café, Coffee by Hands Roastery, also handles thank-you gifts, corporate events, and bulk orders. For thank-you gifts — the kind you agonize over for weddings, first birthdays, or condolence visits — they said they can consult with you based on your budget.

I once received a cookie-and-cold-brew set as a thank-you gift, and it was such a useful gift for office workers who need a daily coffee transfusion. These items would also suit corporate events perfectly, so I highly recommend them!!

Cold brew concentrate to go: how it tasted mixed at the office

The showcase had both cold brew and latte concentrate for sale. I was curious about the café latte concentrate since I'd never tried it, but I wanted to enjoy the classic, so I took the cold brew concentrate to go.

Happily heading off with my takeout.

As soon as I got to work in the afternoon, I filled a cup with ice and water and poured in the Dutch coffee concentrate. They told me to pour the coffee in last, so I made sure to remember that and did exactly that..!

You could really taste the distinctive layered aroma of cold brew! Next time I'll buy some milk and try it as a latte. The owner was so kind too — next time my sundae cravings cool down, I'll pair the café with it again as a set..!

Coffee by Hands Roastery hours change by day, so check first

The business hours are different depending on the day, so be sure to check the details below before visiting!

• Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat: 10:30 - 17:30
• Tue, Wed: 10:30 - 14:30
• Sun: Closed