• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

True North Kitchen

  • Recipes
  • Browse by Category
  • About Me
  • Contact/Work with Me
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Browse by Category
  • About Me
  • Contact/Work with Me
×

Home » Recipes

The Ultimate Guide to Swedish Fika (with Recipes)

Published: Feb 25, 2022 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

At its essence, the Swedish term "fika" means to take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee and possibly a delicious baked good to go with it.  But to simply call it a coffee break as we understand that term in English would be missing the point.

Fika is meant to be a sacred pause in the day, an opportunity to refuel, rest and reconnect. What matters most is that you unplug and enjoy a momentary respite, whether you are alone or with others. Should that moment come with a warm restorative beverage and a little treat, all the better!

Establishing a daily fika ritual brings a welcome and calming rhythm to the day. Having scheduled breaks to look forward to and replenishing ourselves with much needed sustenance and relaxation is truly an act of self-care.

Ready to create your own daily fika ritual? Keep reading for everything you need to know to get started.

Swedish Cinnamon Buns on a plate next to a cup of coffee.

To truly fika requires a commitment to making time for a break in your day, the creation of a magical moment in the midst of the routine and the mundane.

Fika, Anne Brones and Johanna Kindvall

The Origins and Use of the Word "fika"

Fika (pronounced fee-ka) is a term derived from a 19th century Swedish slang word for coffee (kaffi). Switch the letters around in the word "kaffi" and you get fika.  Fika can be used a noun (it's time for fika) or it can be used as a verb (shall we fika?).  The term fikabröd (in English, "fika bread") refers to any baked good you might enjoy during your fika.

Other Scandinavian countries have similar rituals around the coffee break, but they don't call it fika. In both Danish and Norwegian, the coffee break is called a "kaffepause."

Stack of Swedish gingersnaps next to a cup of coffee.

The only thing a Swede likes more than having a fika, is talking about the word fika, and how you'll never find it in English.

Oliver Gee

A Brief History of Fika

Coffee was first introduced in Sweden in the mid 1600's, but it didn't become popular with the upper class until a century later. In the mid 1700's, several attempts were made to ban coffee drinking entirely (meeting up to drink coffee was considered a dangerous political act by those in charge....who knows what kind of revolt against the monarchy you might be planning?) Ultimately these attempts failed and by the 1800's, coffeehouses were THE place where men met to discuss the important topics of the day.

Women, on the other hand, got together at home at gatherings known as kafferep. These were formal events with fine linens, china and fancy guest lists. The hostess was expected to serve coffee and seven different kinds of biscuits. Not six (you're slacking), not eight (now you're just showing off), but exactly seven. In the 1940's the book Seven Kinds of Biscuits was published, containing recipes and a guide to proper ettiquete for hosting and attending kaffereps. An updated version of Seven Kinds of Biscuits (the English translation is called Swedish Cakes and Cookies) featuring new recipes continues to be published today, and it remains Sweden's best selling cookbook.

Fika as a Daily Ritual

Although the fika tradition has become more informal and modern since the days of the kafferep, it still runs deep in Swedish society.  Life in structured to accommodate fika breaks, both at home and in the workplace. The expectation of a midday opportunity to stop what you are doing and enjoy a cup of coffee and a treat is something that is anticipated and enjoyed as a part of daily life.  According to Nordstjernan, The Swedish Newspaper of America, most Swedes fika twice a day (often around 10:00 am and 3:00 pm) for an average of 52 minutes in total.

Brown Sugar Skyr Tart on a plate next to a cup of coffee.

Fika in the Workplace

In a workplace setting, fika isn't just about taking a break from the work at hand, it is also an opportunity to socialize with colleagues and foster community. Most companies have scheduled times for fika in which everyone gathers together for a cup of coffee and a little something to eat. While it isn't required that you attend, it is certainly expected that you will be there. Fika is a deeply ingrained social institution in Sweden and it is seen as almost rude not to participate. Regardless of their place within the company, employees can sip, nibble and chat about both work and non-work related topics. According to to writer John Duxbury, workplaces that institutionalize fika breaks have better camaraderie and are more productive.

Slices of Swedish Almond Cake on a plate next to a mug.

Fika at Home

Some may argue that the main point of a fika ritual is gathering together. It doesn't matter so much what you choose to eat or whether or not you have a cup of coffee (or tea or a glass of water). What matters is that you are getting together with friends, family or colleagues for an opportunity to connect with one another.

But for those of us who work from home (and there are a lot of us these days), gathering isn't always possible. Yes, it's always nice to plan a coffee outing with a friend or invite someone over to share a slice of your famous apple cake. But on daily basis, there is nothing wrong with a quiet fika time just for you. We can all benefit from an opportunity to stop what we are doing, rest and reconnect, even if it is just with ourselves. 

If you are on your own, simply sitting and sipping a warm beverage in silence can be a moment of peace and restoration.  Or maybe you turn to the company of your journal and a pen or an engaging book.  The particulars are entirely up to you...coffee or tea, treat or no treat, alone or with company.  What matters most is that you pause, unplug and enjoy a momentary respite from the day.

Tosca cake on a plate next to a cup of coffee.

Consider it a caffeinated meditation. You'll find the world will not stop-though you will-and when you step back on the treadmill, you'll feel clear in mind, happy in soul and sated in belly.

The Little Book of Fika, Lynda Balslev

Tips for Creating a Daily Fika Ritual

  • Unplug. Fika is not something you do in front of a computer screen or as you scroll through social media on your phone.  It is meant to be a sacred pause in the day, an opportunity to rest and reconnect. Leave your electronics behind. They'll be there waiting for you when you return.
  • Get it on the calendar. What gets scheduled gets done. Carve out 20 minutes for your break and put it on the calendar like any other important appointment in your day. Maybe start with one fika break in the afternoon and once you've got that established, add another for mid-morning.
  • Ritualize. Creating certain predictable details of your fika ritual can help you establish the habit. Have a special mug that you use just for fika, maybe even a particular coffee or tea. If you are at home, create a cozy spot for your break. Light a candle as a way to mark the occasion. If you are on your own, maybe you have a particular book that you read only during this time.
  • Get out and try a new location. This might be a favorite (or new to you) coffee shop or a visit to a park on a sunny afternoon with a thermos and a tasty treat in a to-go container.
  • Actively engage. If you are enjoying fika in the company of others, consider it a time to relax and engage in face-to-face conversation with your companions. Once again, put down those electronic devices!
  • Bake! I'm not suggesting that you need to bake something from scratch every day, but once a week is a realistic goal. Use your fika ritual as good excuse to try a new recipe or bake up a family favorite. You can even freeze cookies, cakes and other baked goods in individual portions to enjoy for fika tomorrow or next week. See the section below for some delicious inspiration!
Swedish Rulltårta cake on a plate next to a cup of coffee.

What to Eat for Fika

Everyday Fika Recipes

Fika treats need not be fancy, but it is nice if they are homemade. Here are a few ideas for simple Scandi bakes to add to your rotation:

Swedish Ginger Snaps (Pepparkakor)
A truly special Swedish ginger snap with a crispy outer edge and a pleasantly chewy center.  The perfect fika treat!
Check out this recipe
A close up of a stack of Swedish ginger snaps and a cup of coffee
Swedish Tiger Cake (Tigerkaka)
A moist and tender chocolate vanilla marble loaf cake.
Check out this recipe
Swedish Tiger Cake on a plate with a fork next to a glass of milk.
Nordic Lemon Wafers
The perfect lemon cookie for afternoon fika...buttery and tender with just the right amount of lemon flavor and covered in a light cream cheese glaze to finish things off just right.
Check out this recipe
A stack of Nordic Lemon Wafers on a marble surface next to a glass of milk.
Simple Swedish Almond Cake
A simple recipe for a deliciously moist and tender almond-flavored cake.
Check out this recipe
Sliced Swedish Almond Cake on a marble plate
Danish Dream Cake with Oats and Warm Spices (Drømmekage)
A deliciously moist spice cake topped with a broiled coconut icing.
Check out this recipe
Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
An easy and moist cake baked with a hint of cardamom and topped with caramelized apples.  The perfect fall fika treat!
Check out this recipe
Close up of a slice of Swedish Apple Cake.
Hazelnut Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies (Hallongrottor)
Buttery hazelnut cookies filled with a jewel-like center of sweet raspberry jam, these Raspberry Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies (Swedish Hallongrottor) are both eye-catching and irresistible.
Check out this recipe
Raspberry thumbprint cookies on a marble surface with a glass of milk.
Swedish Spice Cake (Mjuk Pepparkaka)
This Swedish Spice Cake is pure coziness in cake form: A moist, tender and simple spice cake flavored with the comforting flavors of gingerbread (think cinnamon, ginger and cloves) and drizzled with the possibly the easiest 3 ingredient powdered sugar icing you'll ever make.
Check out this recipe
Close up of slices of Swedish Spice Cake with lingonberries.
Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter
These Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies are sophisticated and delicious take on the classic recipe. Made with dark rye flour, brown butter and a sprinkle of sea salt, these crave worthy cookies are sure to become a new family favorite!
Check out this recipe
Close up of Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies sprinkled with sea salt next to a glass of milk.
No Bake Swedish Chocolate Oat Balls (Chokladbollar)
A deliciously simple no bake cookie featuring oats and chocolate. A true Swedish classic!
Check out this recipe
No Bake Swedish Chocolate Oat Balls on a plate.
Brown Butter Swedish Oat Crisps (Havreflarn)
A light and crispy oatmeal cookie drizzled with chocolate.  Perfect to go with that afternoon cup of coffee!
Check out this recipe
Oat cookies drizzled with chocolate and a cup of coffee
Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumb Cake
A deliciously moist buttermilk cake studded with fresh rhubarb and topped with a buttery cinnamon and brown sugar crumble.
Check out this recipe
Old-Fashioned Norwegian Rhubarb Crumb Cake on a plate next to a glass of milk.
Swedish Cardamom Cake (Kardemummakaka)
A simple, most bundt cake bursting with cardamom flavor.
Check out this recipe
Slice of bundt cake on a plate with a fork.
Swedish Tosca Cake (Toscakaka)
A simple, moist yellow cake topped with a layer of crispy caramel and almonds.
Check out this recipe
A slice of cake topped with caramelized onions next to a fork and a cup of coffee.
Spice Cake with Dates, Rye and Salted Caramel Drizzle
A deliciously moist spice cake made with dates, warm spices and earthy rye flour and drizzled with warm salted caramel sauce before serving.
Check out this recipe
A slice of date cake drizzled with caramel on a plate next to a fork and cup of coffee.
Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake (Kladdkaka)
Check out this recipe
Closeup of a slice of kladdkaka on a plate next to a fork and raspberries.
Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars
Delicious, buttery crumble bars with a lemon blueberry filling.
Check out this recipe
Close up of a stack of Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars.
Blueberry Creme Fraiche Tart with Rye
A deliciously simple Finnish tart filled with fresh blueberries and an easy creme fraiche filling.  An elegant and effortless late summer dessert or afternoon fika treat!
Check out this recipe
A slice of blueberry tart on a plate with a napkin and fork
Brown Sugar Skyr Tart
A simply delicious tart made with an almond crust and a creamy, cheesecake-like skyr and brown sugar filling.
Check out this recipe
A slice of brown sugar skyr tart on a plate with a fork, napkin and a cup of coffee
Spiced Pear Cake
A deliciously moist and simple bundt cake featuring homemade pear compote and warm spices.  The perfect afternoon treat with a cup of coffee!
Check out this recipe
Spiced Pear Cake on a white plate next to a pear and spices.
Swedish Cinnamon Buns
Traditional Swedish cinnamon buns (Kanelbullar) made with a sweet, buttery cardamom dough and a brown sugar cinnamon filling. Golden brown on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, they are cinnamon bun perfection!
Check out this recipe
Two Swedish cinnamon buns on a plate next to a mug of coffee, fork and napkin
Simple Carrot Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
An easy, moist, perfectly-spiced carrot cake with luscious cream cheese frosting.
Check out this recipe
Featured image for Simple Carrot Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Easy Baked Apple Donuts
A deliciously moist apple donut made with homemade apple compote, brushed with melted butter and rolled in a sugar and spice mixture.  The perfect fall treat!
Check out this recipe
Close up of stack of three apple donuts next to a cup of coffee and apples
Nordic Apple Strips
Delicious and easy, these apple strips will please the crowd!
Check out this recipe
Nordic apple strips piled on a plate with a cup of coffee
Pumpkin Rye Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
A deliciously moist and simple pumpkin bread made with rye flour.  A perfect autumn breakfast or afternoon treat!
Check out this recipe
Slices of pumpkin bread next to a towel
Apple Crumble Bars with Oats and Rye
Buttery and crisp crumble bars made with rye flour and oats and filled with caramelized apples. The perfect fall treat!
Check out this recipe
A close up of a stack of apple crumble bars with a glass of milk

Savory Fika Recipes

Sometimes you might crave something more savory than sweet for fika. If that's the case, consider a little mini sandwich (smörgås in Swedish). Perhaps a piece or two of rye crispbread topped with cheese, meat, hummus, or anything else that catches your fancy. There are plenty of delicious crispbread options at the grocery store, but should you want to try your hand it baking it at home, I've got a couple of recipes for you to try:

Easy Swedish Crispbread (Knäckebröd)
A simple recipe for Swedish Crispbread (Knäckebröd) featuring dark rye flour and oats.  A delicious and nutritious accompaniment to snacks and meals at any time of day!
Check out this recipe
Close up of Easy Swedish Crispbread (Knäckebröd) on a plate.
Easy Sourdough Rye Crispbread (Knäckebröd)
A thin homemade rye cripsbread (knäckebröd) made with discarded sourdough starter.
Check out this recipe
Crispbread and a rolling pin and kitchen towel

Fancy Fika Recipes

Special occasions and holidays call for fika treats that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it's a birthday, Christmas gathering, midsummer celebration or another memorable day, sometimes it's nice to bake something a little more elaborate.

Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling (Swedish Midsummer Cake)
A show-stopping celebration cake filled with roasted strawberries and pastry cream and topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.  Perfect for any summer occasion!
Check out this recipe
Featured image shot of Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling.
Rustic Strawberry Rhubarb Rye Galette
An easy free-form tart with rye crust and a delicious strawberry rhubarb filling.
Check out this recipe
A slice of strawberry rhubarb galette on a plate with a fork
Finnish Strawberry Almond Tart
An easy summer tart filled with vanilla scented strawberries and surrounded by tender almond dough and sliced almonds.
Check out this recipe
A slice of strawberry almond tart on a plate with a fork, napkin and cup of coffee
Strawberry Roll Cake (Swedish Rulltårta)
An easy and delicious rolled vanilla cake filled with a homemade strawberry filling and vanilla pastry cream.
Check out this recipe
Close up of Strawberry Roll Cake slices next to a fork.
Summer Skyr Tart with Fresh Berries
A fresh, easy and gorgeous summer berry tart with a skyr and cream cheese filling.
Check out this recipe
A skyr tart with fresh berries on a wooden surface
Æbleskiver (Danish Pancakes)
Warm, buttery and delicious Danish pancake balls. Perfect dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam!
Check out this recipe
Æbleskivers on a plate next to jam and a napkin.
Scandinavian Almond Tarts (Swedish Mandelmusslor/Norwegian Sandbakkels
Crisp, buttery, almond flavored tarts that are delicious plain or filled with something sweet!
Check out this recipe
Scandinavian Almond Tarts on a marble surface next to a cup of coffee.
Buttery Swedish Custard Hearts (Vaniljhjärtan)
Buttery and tender heart-shaped pastry encases rich vanilla pastry cream.
Check out this recipe
Close up of Swedish Custard Hearts

I hope this inspires you to start a fika tradition of your own. We all deserve a delicious break (or two) in the day to rest and recharge. So what do you say, ska vi fika (shall we fika)?

More Nordic/Scandinavian Recipes

  • Shrimp smørrebrød on a wooden surface.
    How to Make Smørrebrød (Danish Open Faced Sandwiches) at Home
  • Featured image for Cardamom French Toast.
    Easy Cardamom French Toast
  • Featured image of Quick Pickled Shallots.
    Quick Pickled Shallots
  • Crackers topped with Vegetarian Mushroom Pâtë and pickled shallots and mustard seeds.
    Vegetarian Mushroom Pâté

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barbara Olson

    February 25, 2022 at 1:02 pm

    Thank you so much for these yummy recipes, can’t wait to try some

    Reply
    • Kristi

      February 28, 2022 at 7:43 am

      Thanks, Barbara! Let me know what you try and what you think!
      Kristi

      Reply
  2. Susanne

    June 02, 2022 at 4:07 am

    Dear Kristi, on your site are very much delicious recipes. But I miss special Coconut Tops see the following link
    https://images.app.goo.gl/iWmjvJqvM45uYCR7A
    I cannot find a recipe of this delicious coconut tops. I ate these in Malmö. I can only find 'Standard" recipes. But this coconut top taste much more exquisite with a flavor of vanilla I think.
    Do you know this coconut tops and can help me to find a recipe of this?

    Reply
    • Kristi

      June 02, 2022 at 6:10 pm

      Hi Susanne,
      Thanks for your comment! Those Coconut Tops are so pretty! I will do some research and see what I can find.
      Kristi

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi, I'm Kristi! Welcome to my cozy Nordic kitchen! More about me

SEARCH RECIPES:

The cover for Scandinavian Baking Favorites e-book

Enter your email below and receive a copy of my free ebook, Scandinavian Baking Favorites!



Scandi Breakfast Ideas

Close up of a bowl of Creamy Barley Breakfast Porridge with a spoon.

Creamy Barley Breakfast Porridge

Close up of a glass of overnight oats topped wit bananas, blueberries and strawberries next to raw oats and a spoon.

Vanilla Overnight Oats with Cinnamon

Close up of Rye and Oat Muesli with Dried Cherries and Hazelnuts.

Rye and Oat Muesli with Dried Cherries and Hazelnuts

Oatmeal in a bowl with a spoon on a napkin

Simple Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Cream

Toast with sliced egg, avocado and pickled beets on a plate

Nordic Avocado Toast with Pickled Beets and Egg

A close up of a berry smoothie topped with blueberries and lingonberries

Nordic Wild Berry Almond Smoothie

Top Posts

Stack of flatbreads on a plate next to herbs and a spiked rolling pin.

Soft Swedish Flatbreads with Garden Herbs (Tunnbröd med Trädgårds Örter)

Sliced rye bread on a marble surface.

Easy Overnight Danish Rye Bread (Rugbrød)

Quick Swedish Pickled Cucumbers in a jar next to peppercorns and fresh dill sprigs.

Quick Swedish Pickled Cucumbers

Slice of bundt cake on a plate with a fork.

Swedish Cardamom Cake (Kardemummakaka)

Sliced Swedish Almond Cake on a marble plate

Simple Swedish Almond Cake

Swedish pancakes on a plate drizzled with lingonberries.

Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries

Crispbread and a rolling pin and kitchen towel

Easy Sourdough Rye Crispbread (Knäckebröd)

Rye bread slices on a plate next to a loaf of rye bread and a wooden knife with butter

Sourdough Danish Rye Bread (Rugbrød)

Categories

Footer

^ back to top

About
Work with Me
Contact
Disclosure and Privacy Policy
Accessibility Statement

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 True North Kitchen