"Each of the Nordic countries has their own take on self-care and antidotes to stress based on both culture, tradition and history.

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The Swedish idea about catching up for a fika to enjoy coffee and a piece of cake is common practice as already established has another dimension relating to the word lagom."

"In recent times, commensality or eating together has been discussed as an important part of family culture and identity, and as one of the most important parts of socialization. Here we would like to draw attention to the Swedish fika break, an in-between meal of particular significance in Sweden, where fika is an everyday ritual at home as well as in the work place. As with other commensality practices, the most valuable parts are not the edibles or drinkables that are consumed but what is created over those edibles and drinkables. We outline possible ways that Fika could be studied and potential dimensions of particular interest."

"Brones and Kindvall’s (2015) translation of fika as a moment of break, drinking coffee, eating treats and chatting. By translating the word, it may lose significance and become a mere coffee break, but the Swedish fika is just as much about socializing. Defined as “a social cup of coffee” (Sweden, 2019), the essence of this social cultural phenomenon is making time to take a break and spend time with people, while eating lovely goods and drinking great coffee. As an important part of Swedish culture, fika is an everyday life habit, and it is considered a way to socialise with other people. Hence, fika not only represents an entire culture but also carries the meaning of a Swedish form of social engagement (Brones and Kindvall, 2015)."

"In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating Swedish-style fika (coffee) breaks into the didactic schedule of emergency medicine residents on their sleepiness levels during didactic sessions. Fika is a Swedish tradition that involves a deliberate decision to take a break during the workday and usually involves pastries and coffee. Integration of fika breaks positively influenced sleepiness levels, thus potentially enhancing the educational experience during residency didactics."

"Fika is a coffee break in Sweden, but it is invested with considerable socio-cultural and symbolic significance (Kjærnes 2001; Ljungström 2013). Twice a day, in mornings and afternoons, Swedish workers can gather for a short break, in the internal fika-area. Employers are expected to bear most of the cost of breaks as an investment in their employees (Spross 2016).

We ask whether fika is purely a social event for staff community-building, rest and recreation, but possibly also a technology of governmentality, a subtle strategy for regulation, surveillance and the promotion of normative performances of workplace happiness, team-building and well-being (Davies 2015)."

“Cafes in Europe have a long history as meeting places and for providing refreshments. They are part of the cultural history of Europe, and since the eighteenth century, its social and food history. […] The trend in eating out grew throughout the nineteenth century, and it became fashionable to be seen at particular outlets, for example cafes and restaurants. Eating for many was a form of recreational activity and a pleasant addition to the boulevard, and park. […] The design of the café was an important factor, with its main dining rooms, shops and perhaps additional rest rooms, smoking rooms, ladies rooms, separees and function rooms. Deller’s Café in Exeter boasted a ball room which contributed to its position as a social centre.”