People in most countries around the world enjoy a coffee or tea break. But a fika in Sweden is much more than a coffee break. It’s more like a ritual. Learn more about the Swedish fika ritual.
Swedish people of all ages take part in the custom, enjoying it casually at work with colleagues or opting for a more elaborate outing with friends at the weekend. “Let’s do fika,” is one of the most uplifting messages you can receive from a long-lost friend. The social aspect is as important as the delicious steaming coffee and the Swedish cinnamon buns, being arguably the most popular fika accompaniment.
The Fika concept
Fika is a concept, a state of mind, an attitude and an important part of Swedish culture. Many Swedes consider that it is almost essential to make time for fika every day. It means making time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee (or tea) and a little something to eat.
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Therapeutic and promoting well-being
So popular is the Swedish fika that the ritual has gained traction around the world, and so ingrained in the Swedish psyche is the custom that some companies add a clause to contracts stating that employees are entitled to fika breaks. A clever move, since a spot of fika can be therapeutic, promoting wellbeing and productivity.
Even the mighty Volvo plant stops for fika. All Swedes consider it important to make time to stop and socialize: to take a pause. It refreshes the brain and strengthens relationships. And it makes good business sense: firms have better teams and are more productive where fika is institutionalized.
You may also like to read: What Is Sweden Famous For? Nine Things That Make Sweden the Country It Is.
In fact, it isn’t the coffee or even the sweet treat that is so important. It’s the valuable time spent connecting with others. While a traditional coffee break in an office is often an avenue for continuing a work discussion, fika is a more informal affair that may open up conversations — whether work-related or not — across departments and hierarchies.
Where does the word come from?
But where does the word come from? It’s believed to be a reversal of the syllables in the word kaffi, the old spelling of coffee.
So well-established is fika that the word itself has become both a noun and a verb and it can be had indoors as well as in nature. And thanks to Sweden’s unique right of public access, you’re free to fika almost anywhere. A fika out in the woods or in a nearby park is a popular pastime on a sunny day. Swedes will say to each other, “Let’s go and fika!” or “You and I fika together so well”.
However, the food you choose for fika should be fresh and well presented. Ideally it should be homemade. Many team leaders in Sweden consider it important to regularly bake something at home to take into work for fika. So, grabbing a coffee from the kitchen and sitting back down at your desk is most definitely not fika.
Coffee in the Nordic region is usually enjoyed strong and black. Filter coffee is preferred over an Americano, and all coffee shops will have a large pot of freshly-brewed coffee ready to go. But it’s up to you if you prefer a latte, other milky coffee or even tea.
You may also like to read: 10 Things I Hate and Love About Sweden.
The accompaniment to Fika
And the accompaniment might be the Swedish national cake – the Princess cake (prinsessetårta). This globe-shaped layer cake is a well-balanced affair, consisting of a light-as-air sponge cake base topped with vanilla pastry cream and lashings of fluffy whipped cream. This mound of gorgeousness is enrobed in green marzipan, often with a pink marzipan rose as the crowning glory. Most modern incarnations include a thin layer of raspberry jam, though the original Swedish princess cake recipe from 1948, found in Prinsessornas Nya Kokbok (The Princesses’ New Cookbook), does not.
The cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) has a definite place in the fika hall of fame. You won’t have to look hard for it in Sweden – this national classic is served up in most cafés and bakeries. Just follow that heavenly smell.
Often fika is enjoyed by candlelight, even if it is in an office or the corner of a factory. It’s all about slowing down and finding time for friends and colleagues, whilst you sip a drink and enjoy something small to eat. Candlelight helps!
Wherever you live, give fika a try in your daily schedule. You can never be too busy for fika!
The Swedish Fika Ritual, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top) © Visit Stockholm