Fika, the delightful custom of enjoying a coffee and a treat with friends,
is as Swedish as ABBA. Surely it’s just a coffee break? Not quite. It’s
much more than that. Somewhat simpler and more spontaneous than the Brits’
afternoon tea tradition, Swedish people of all ages and genders are
partial to 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. And the social aspect is as important as the delicious
pairing of steaming coffee and sugary pastry – Swedish cinnamon buns being
arguably the most popular fika accompaniment.
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. Fika, which is so well-established that it’s used as
both a noun and a verb, can be had indoors or in nature. And thanks to
Sweden’s unique right of public access, you’re free to fika almost
anywhere.
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