Magazine

No Fika! No Sweden.

By LUCAS B.B.

To ‘FIKA’ is a Swedish concept, meaning simply ‘to have coffee’. ‘Fika’ happens at any time, morning, afternoon, evening and night. Fika can be savoured at home, at work or in a cafe. It can be with colleagues, family, friends, or someone you are trying to get to know. 

While the act of ‘fika-ing’ is simple; the cultural connotations associated with ‘fika’ are complexly enlightening. To ‘fika’ is a Swedish social and cultural phenomenon, a legitimate reason to set aside a moment for quality time. Yes, quality time for each and every Swede! Everyday! Two or more times a day. To ‘fika’ is not just to drink coffee it’s literally a guise for living a good life; accepted and respected by individuals, the state and corporations alike. Most Swedish companies require workers to take two ‘fika’s’ daily one at 10:00am and another at 3:00pm. 

Fika is not just coffee! The accompanying sweets are crucial. Cinnamon buns (Kanelbulle), cakes, cookies (seven types no more, no less), and even open-faced sandwiches are common ‘fika’ fare. The most standard ‘fika’ drink is coffee, but tea or cordials are popular drinks as well. ‘Fika’ food is usually served on ceramic plates and drinks are usually drank in small cups decorated with colorful Stig Lindberg designs, flowers or just simple white porcelain.

At work, ‘fika’ meetings unlike conventional meetings are commonly a geyser of ideas as thoughts flow without the formalities, nervousness, and sterility of ‘normal’ meetings. And ‘fika’ meetings have the added benefit of making it easier for quieter types to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts as well. 

When done properly ‘fika’ creates both a mental and physical high for each participant. A series of moments of sharing, staring and daring your fellow ‘fika’ partners to enjoy the instance of authentic quality with you. And ‘fika’ is about basking in the warm and fuzzy feeling of relaxation and contentment that comes from ‘good company’, ‘kind companionship’, ‘wholesome sweets,’ and ‘well brewed caffeine’. 

PAPERSKY Soundtrack For Travelers
SWEDEN edition

A list of Songs to enjoy over a cup of coffee, while driving, and of course while flipping through the pages of the Sweden edition of Papersky. 

Selected by:
GOOD NEIGHBORS’ MUSIC VENDER