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.