Charm Roastery — Where Coffee Becomes the Heart of Sharing and the Start of Flavor Exploration

Following last year’s hands-on workshop held during the Solright DB-1 manual grinder crowdfunding campaign, we returned to Charm Roastery to reconnect with founder Leo.
Over coffee, we talked about what first drew him into the world of coffee, the insights he’s gathered over five years of running the brand, and what he’s envisioning for the road ahead.

A Place That Circles People, Flavor, and Connection

True to its name, Charm stands for inclusion, community, and continuity. Leo built Charm Roastery on the idea that there’s no right or wrong way to taste coffee, only the joy of discovering what you love. Every cup is a chance to explore your personal flavor preferences—and possibly change them tomorrow.

“Specialty coffee is this wonderful world that’s both emotional and analytical,” Leo shares. “I was drawn to it because Taiwan’s food culture is so vibrant, and I love trying new things. Once I started learning about coffee, I quickly realized how much I didn’t know—that a single cup is shaped by so many steps. That curiosity led me to dive deeper, all the way to roasting and brewing from the source.”

A Space to Learn, Share, and Enjoy

Tucked near the lively Calligraphy Greenway and the iconic Mofan Market, Charm Roastery offers a surprisingly calm space for focused exploration. The storefront used to be a printer repair shop, but Leo and his team transformed it into a cozy, hands-on café where learning is part of the everyday experience.

Coffee has been around for centuries, and the way people experience it continues to evolve. Beyond brewing and roasting, Charm Roastery sees the café itself as a medium for sharing values. Leo envisions Charm as a modern neighborhood classic—a place that honors traditional roasting equipment while offering diverse, modern tasting experiences. Here, guests are invited to find a sense of belonging and discover their favorite flavors in the ever-changing world of coffee.

Instead of a traditional espresso machine, Charm leans into manual brewing methods like pour-over and siphon, encouraging slow discovery over fast sips. The team of three baristas each has a unique style, but they all share one philosophy: the method is just a bridge; what matters is how well you understand the beans and communicate that to the guest.
“The point isn’t the technique itself. It’s helping people feel good about what they’re drinking and giving them the space to enjoy it.”

Tools Should Make Coffee Easier, Not More Complicated

When it comes to equipment, Leo keeps things practical: “Good tools should be easy to use. That’s it.” He prefers intuitive, efficient products—tools that match Charm’s philosophy of making coffee more approachable.

That’s why he uses the Solright DB-1 grinder. From day one, the DB-1 ticked all the boxes: easy to handle, simple to clean, and quick to dial in with its clear external adjustment ring. “The grinder plays a huge role in brewing great coffee. If you have a reliable one like the DB-1, all you need is a calm, simple brew method. The extraction is efficient, and the coffee’s sweetness and aroma come through really well—even for beginners.”
Leo appreciates that DB-1 doesn’t overwhelm users with complexity. Whether you’re new to coffee or a seasoned home brewer, it invites you to jump right in and start exploring.

In this session, Leo used a naturally processed Ethiopian bean, grinding at a 5.5 setting with the DB-1. Because the grounds absorb water so well, the pour was steady and simple—no need for intense agitation. The result? A clean, sweet, and balanced cup.

Coffee recipe from Leo

Brewing Passion Into a Profession

When asked if turning his passion into a profession has changed his view of coffee, Leo pauses. “You can’t do this without love. Coffee looks glamorous on the outside, but running a shop is complex. Still, when customers connect with what you believe in—that’s what gives you the drive to keep going.”
Over five years, Charm Roastery has continued to evolve. Leo and his team are constantly refining their approach, building trust with regulars and inviting new guests to join their community. That intention—to make every interaction meaningful—is what keeps the circle going.

As for the future? Leo hopes to keep improving their craft and maybe one day open up new spaces for new kinds of coffee experiences. Stay tuned—there’s always more brewing at Charm.

▍Charm Roastery

Web：https://www.charmroastery.com/

ADD. No. 115, Gongyi Rd., West District, Taichung City

TEL：04-23019618

Time：11:00-18:00（close Thu）