What is Fika?

Sue Maree P - 12 Jun 2026

Fika is what the Swedes call a coffee break. Having Fika is a big part of Swedish culture. It's common to say 'Let's meet for Fika'.

Why is Fika important?

Fika plays a big part in Swedish culture. Fika is known as 'a coffee and cake break'. Fika is not only about coffee, it is a Swedish attitude, concept and state of mind to bring people together to connect, chat and socialise. Many Swedes believe that it is crucial to take a break at work. So when in Sweden enjoy Fika.

How long has Fika been around?

The tradition of Fika has been around since the 19th century. Many companies have rules that require employees to take two Fika breaks a day.

Can I Buy Fika to Bring to Work?

The food or sweet treat often comes second to connecting and chatting with friends and colleagues. Swedes are big bakers and prefer homemade baked cakes and cookies over store-bought. Many team leaders in Sweden consider organising team Fika to be important. This is good news for me. Now I can give away my baked goods for Mr P to take to work.

What does the Swedish Eat for Fika?

Most people will eat a small sweet treat with their coffee at Fika. This could be anything from a kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) to a no-bake chocolate ball called chokladbollar.

My Swedish teacher Jessica informed when Swedes host Fika at home it's called kaffekalasa, a coffee party. Swedes love a party. Even a small group of six is called a party. Ha. What should the host offer? At least seven different types of kaka (small cakes).

Here's Jessica's suggested list of popular Swedish Fika Treats

I am slowly working my way through baking these recipes to share.
A few Swedish tips; bullar means buns, kakor means cookies and kaka means cake.

Hallongrottar – raspberry caves – click here for my new recipe
Chokladbollar – no-bake chocolate balls click here for my recipe
Chokladsnitch – brownie-like chocolate slice, click here for my recipe
Bondkakor – farm cookies, almond butter cookies, click here for my recipe
Drömmer – dream cookies with cornflakes or rice crisps
Havreflarn – simple oat cookies, click here for my recipe
Pepparkakor – Christmas ginger cookies, you must make these in 5 different shapes. And no gingerbread men! Stars, hearts and flowers are popular.
Kanelbullar – Swedish cinnamon buns click here for the recipe

Plus a few more popular ones I discovered

Finnish Stick Cookies with Spelt

Image a not-too-sweet melt-in-your-mouth cookie. This is Finska Pinnar which is a popular butter cookie sold in most bakeries in Sweden.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Swedish Almond Cake Toscakaka with Spelt Flour

My Swedish Almond Cake is moist, buttery with a crunchy caramel almond topped cake; called Toscakaka or a Swedish visiting cake. A perfect simple yet impressive looking cake that is quick and easy to prepare.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Swedish Dinkel (Spelt) Lace Cookies

This Swedish Dinkel Lace Cookies recipe is a simple oat version. I have added dark brown sugar for an extra caramel taste, oats, butter, golden syrup and wholegrain spelt flour.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Spelt Cardamom Cake Swedish style: kardemummakakka

Now living permanently in Sweden, I want to share more Swedish recipes. I have been testing a simple Swedish Cardamom Cake with spelt flour. This buttery cardamom cake melts in your mouth like a tea cake but with the very Scandi warming cardamom spice.

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Kladdkaka

If you ask a Swede what the most popular cake is in Sweden they will tell you Kladdkaka Swedish sticky chocolate cake. Most cafes and supermarkets sell their version also you can buy it a Ikea. I thought I would make my buckwheat flour cake as this was the only

Sue Maree PSue Maree P

Extracts from my article by Visit Sweden