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If you haven’t guessed by my name, I am Scandinavian through and through. My grandfather was born in Norway and came to the states with his siblings when he was in elementary school. Someday I’ll have to tell you about his sisters, my great aunts, who lived together their entire lives until my one great aunt passed away at the age of 104! Their mix of East Coast and Norwegian accents is one that can’t be forgotten.
My husband is also very Scandinavian. I overheard a conversation between my husbands grandfather and my sister-in-law: “Fika?” He said with a question mark. “There is a name to something I do everyday?” My husband’s grandfather expressed his confusion and excitement when he learned there was a name to something he had done everyday of his life. It was so ingrained in his day-to-day, his life, his traditions he didn’t even think to call it anything. Fika (pronounced Fee-Kah) is a Swedish term for a coffee break. But it is more than just a break.
According to Sweden.se:
“Swedes prefer not to translate the word fika. They don’t want it to lose significance and become a mere coffee break. It is one of the first words you will learn when visiting Sweden, right after tack (thank you) and hej (hello).
Fika is much more than having a coffee. It is a social phenomenon, a legitimate reason to set aside a moment for quality time. Fika can happen at any time, morning as well as evening. It can be savoured at home, at work or in a café. It can be with colleagues, family, friends, or someone you are trying to get to know. It is a tradition observed frequently, preferably several times a day.
Accompanying sweets are crucial. Cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies, even open-faced sandwiches pass as acceptable fika fare. It comes as no surprise that Swedes are among the top consumers of coffee and sweets in the world – or that Swedes appreciate the good things in life.
It is a time to rest, to savor or to be social. And of course we wouldn’t want to disobey the rules, “accompanying sweets are crucial.” Inviting others in, being together, slowing down, and eating yummy food is a deep part of my heritage. No one wonder my heart beats for this pace of life. It is one that has been lost on the American way of life. One I want to learn to be more disciplined with, teach others and pass down to my children. I mean, who wouldn’t want to pause their day for a cup of coffee or tea and a sweet treat? You don’t have to be Swedish to enjoy a proper Fika. Grab your phone and invite a friend over or out to a local coffee shop. Here are some great treats to make ahead and have on hand for any Fika.
Swedish Chocolate Cookies (CHOKLADSNITTAR)
Swedish Gingersnap Cookies (pepparkakor)
If you’re not a fan of almond or cardamom. Make (or buy) any treat you like to have with coffee or tea. Chocolate Chip cookies, Madeleines, pound cake,the possibilities are endless.
