Fact Finder - Food and Drink

Fact
The Tradition of the Fika
Category
Food and Drink
Subcategory
Global Cuisine
Country
Sweden
Description
In Sweden, 'Fika' is a social institution that is much more than a simple coffee break. The word is an inverted version of 'kaffi' (the old Swedish word for coffee). Fika is a mandatory pause in the day to enjoy coffee and a snack, usually a 'kanelbulle' (cinnamon bun), with friends or colleagues. In Swedish workplaces, it is common to have two fika breaks: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It is considered essential for productivity and social cohesion, as it provides a flat hierarchy where managers and employees chat as equals. Unlike the American 'coffee-to-go,' fika must be experienced sitting down. Sweden consistently ranks among the top coffee consumers in the world, largely due to this cultural practice.