Your Fika moment

I want to introduce you to yet another Scandinavian concept: FIKA. This is a good one to know, so please read along

Fika is Swedish and is pronounced “Fee-kah”. A Fika is “a coffee and cake break” and much more than that. Like “Hygge,” it represents an idea, a state of mind. When you Fika, you make time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee (or tea ) and a little something to eat. It is a way of being social with another person or a group of people. So Fika is a social act, it is not drinking coffee at your work desk by yourself. It is an essential part of Swedish culture, and Swedes consider it vital to make time for a Fika every day.
The word originates from a 19th-century slang word for coffee, “kaffi.” Invert the word kaffi, and what do you get 😀?

The break can happen at any time of day, morning as well as evening. You can enjoy it at home, at work or in a café. Together with colleagues, family, friends, or someone you are trying to get to know – even a date.

The social aspect is treasured and is a shortcut to creating a comfortable atmosphere. You will find that many Swedish companies, for example, request employees take two such breaks a day! Many leaders in Sweden will even bring homebaked goodies to work for a Fika with co-workers. Accompanying sweets is crucial. Cinnamon buns, “Kanel Bullar” are a favorite (You will find Pearl Sugar and beautiful recipe print included in the April 2021 Norlii box). But you can enjoy other cakes, cookies, as well. Give it a try in your daily schedule. And soon you will realize that you are never too busy for Fika!

Read about more unique Scandinavian words here – Hygge, Lagom, and lykke explained 😀
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