Don’t take a coffee break…go and fika fika | verb have* some coffee (tea) || -t (-n) coffee, tea If God made man on the sixth day, on the seventh the Swedes created fika. The sacred act ‘to fika’ is a daily ritual in the lives of Swedes, as rich and plentiful as the coffee they like to consume. Adopted by ex-pats and a most useful Swinglish phrase, on arriving in Sweden you’ll be asking friends to fika before you know it. Don’t be fooled by the invitation to share a caffeine-charged cup, the fika is an art form and a social event for Swedes. Sweden hasn’t yet succumbed to the paper-cup pick up and run service, and the fika experience should be as ambient and relaxed as the chosen meeting place. Coffee is the elected beverage for the occasion and with so many fikas flying about it’s no surprise that the Swedes are the world’s second biggest consumers per capita. Averaging three cups a day, Sweden’s taste for the ground stuff dates back to the 17th century. When restrictions on alcohol became rife, coffee became the country’s national beverage. However, it wasn’t quite to the acquired taste of King Gustav III who, in the 18th century, denounced the drink as poison. But by complete mistake he went on to prove its medicinal qualities to the world. On passing a death sentence the king ordered the condemned men to down pint-sized doses and, so the story goes, the guilty parties lived well into their eighties. Absolved of any arsenic powers, coffee houses then began to prosper throughout Europe and in Stockholm they enjoy a roaring trade today. Just ask Wayne, Robert or John Chris, the Swedish capital’s trio of first-name chains who go where Starbucks wouldn’t dare to tread and are frequented by Stockholm’s hardened fika fanatics. The Fika Commandments According to the rules of fika, there aren't that many. Morning, noon or night, you can fika to your heart’s content for business or pleasure. While two’s company, three isn’t a fika crowd and anything goes on the menu, from regular black filter to double expresso mocha latte with whipped creme and a chocolate dusting. However, do remember if the clouds break momentarily, you are obliged to take your fika outside in the sun. And another word of warning, a lonely fika with only an Earl Grey or Cola light for company will blow the expert guise or cover. The Traditional Fika Cheap and cheerful weekday lunch or after-work soirees for a quick round-up of gossip. Usually done in pairs with a close friend or work colleague. Often arranged on the same day by email or SMS. Estimated Fika Time: 30-60 minutes. Menu: Regular coffee or latte with an amaretto biscuit to share. The Extended Fika As above, but arranged in less haste with more time to discuss anything but work. Topics range from latest bargain buys, holidays, hairdos, golf handicaps, cars and computers. Estimated Fika Time: 60-90 minutes. Menu: Extra large coffee or latte with the offer of a free påtår (refill) highly recommended. The Sunday Fika A group fika the morning after the night before, only it should never be arranged before 12 noon. The general topic of conversation is who has the worst hangover. Estimated Fika Time: 90-120 minutes. Menu: Double expressos and greasy brunches all round. The Stylish Fika If you’re feeling flush and desperate to impress, head down to the Grand Hotel for a fika with refinement. You might even get your coffee served in a cup rather than a glass for a change. First dates, family visits and business associates only. Estimated Fika Time: 30-60 minutes. Menu: However far your purse-strings will stretch. The Emergency Fika Arranged at no more than five minutes notice, this is usually one for the girls. Discussing the opposite sex is the only topic of conversation allowed. Always initiated by the injured party. Estimated Fika Time: 10 minutes – 10 hours. Menu: Large portion of chocolate cake each, coffee optional. - Christine Demsteader © 2006, Swedish Bulletin. All rights reserved