Pop on over to the local Ikea, listen to some ABBA and grab a kanelbullar: it’s fika time!
One of the greatest aspects of a fika (a Swedish coffee break) is its informality. The following are tips to have the best fika, but feel free to incorporate your own ideas into your coffee break.
Do
Invite your friends out to enjoy a fika! That cutie over there catching your eye? Most Swedes say their first dates are fikas because it’s more casual than a dinner date. (My bf took me out for a fika on our first date 😉 )
Don’t
Don’t order any kind of fancy coffee drink. No whipped chocolate mocha cupcake iced lattes here! A simple cup of coffee or tea is all you need.
Do
Order a kanelbullar, a semla or another fun Swedish treat. They pair perfectly with a cup of warm coffee.
Don’t
Don’t rush your fika! While Swedes are known for their punctuality, they never look like they are in a rush. Sit back, take a breath and take a sip of coffee.
Do
Learn how to order coffee like a local: Kan jag få en kaffe? [Can I have a coffee?]
Don’t
Don’t forget to thank your host or hostess, Tack!
Swedish is my native language, and I just can’t stop myself from correcting the coffee ordering frase here. The frase “kan jag ha en kaffe?” would better be replaced with “Kan jag få en kaffe?” Just beacuse the first one is confusing since it’s grammrly incorrect.
// Elin
Thank you for the feedback, Elin! I’ve adjusted the post. 🙂