Guest Post by Viv Craske
If you’ve ever traveled to Sweden or worked with Swedes, you may have heard the word fika.
More than just a coffee break, fika is a cornerstone of Swedish culture, a daily ritual that blends together coffee, conversation, and community.
For hospitality businesses looking to capture the warmth and connection of Scandinavian lifestyle, understanding fika offers both cultural insight and creative inspiration.
What Is Fika?
At its simplest, fika (pronounced fee-ka) refers to taking a break to enjoy coffee and something sweet, often in the company of others. But fika is more than just grabbing a coffee on the go – it’s a moment to slow down, socialize, and reset. Whether it’s mid-morning or mid-afternoon, fika is an intentional pause that values relationships, reflection, and balance.
There’s a joke in Sweden that if ever you wanted to invade the country, do so at 3pm as that’s when the Swedish army take fika.
A Brief History of Fika
The roots of fika date back to Sweden’s long-standing coffee culture. Coffee was introduced to the country in the late 17th century and grew rapidly in popularity. By the 18th century, it had become a staple of Swedish daily life, although it faced temporary bans in the 1750s due to health and political concerns (which were, unsurprisingly, ignored by the population).
The word fika itself is believed to have evolved in the 19th century as a form of slang. It comes from reversing the syllables of the Swedish word for coffee—kaffi (an old spelling of kaffe). Over time, fika took on broader social significance, becoming synonymous with comfort, connection, and Swedish identity.
By the 20th century, especially during Sweden’s post-war industrial boom, employers began introducing fika breaks in the workplace, recognizing their role in productivity and employee morale. Today, it’s not uncommon for Swedish companies to build two fika breaks into the workday—one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Classic fika treats:
Cinnamon bun (‘kanelbulle’)
The most iconic fika treat, this knotted-shaped bun is flavoured with cinnamon and topped with crunchy pearl sugar. You also need to try its fragrant cousin: the cardamom bun.
Princess cake (‘prinsesstårta’)
Often considered Sweden’s national cake, this dome-shaped cake features layers of sponge, vanilla cream and raspberry jam covered in thin green marzipan. Often ordered for someone’s birthday. The Guardian recently celebrated Princess Cake here.
Chocolate ball (‘chokladboll’)
A smaller treat made from oats, butter, cocoa, coffee and sugar, rolled in dessicated coconut or pearl sugar. A go-to favourite for kids and grown-ups alike.
Fika as a Business Opportunity
For Brighton cafes and hospitality businesses, fika presents a unique opportunity to tap into a globally admired lifestyle trend. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and warmth—two qualities that align perfectly with customer desires for authentic, meaningful experiences. At Fika Bakery, our wholesale customers either want a high quality artisan product, or something a little different.
Here are a few ways to incorporate the spirit of fika into your business:
- Create a Fika Menu: Offer a curated selection of coffee and traditional Scandinavian pastries, perhaps with a modern twist. Highlight items like cinnamon buns, cardamom or vanilla buns, or oat balls.
- Design for Connection: Create comfortable, inviting spaces where customers can relax, talk, and enjoy their break. Communal tables, warm lighting, and Scandinavian-inspired decor go a long way.
- Educate and Inspire: Tell the story of fika on your menus, signage, or social media. Share its history, traditions, and the value it brings to everyday life.
A Ritual That Resonates
In a fast-paced world, fika reminds us of the power of pause. It’s a tradition that values community over rush, presence over productivity. As consumers increasingly seek comfort, connection, and authenticity, fika offers an experience that is both timeless and relevant.
Fika is stronger than ever in Sweden, with a per capita annual consumption of 8.2 kg of coffee, ranking 6th in the world. Embracing fika isn’t just about offering good coffee—it’s about creating moments that matter. And that’s something your customers will come back for, time and again.
Author: Viv Craske, Director, Fika Bakery. Fika Bakery is a wholesale Swedish bakery based in Brighton, supplying baked goods to venues in Brighton & Hove, and now nationwide. Viv can be contacted on viv@fika.co.uk