Explore a World of Cafes: Swedish Style

Who am I?

I am an American living in Sweden and I love everything coffee coffee coffee. It started with my favorite TV show growing up in the early 2000s called Gilmore Girls. The main characters ran on coffee and some of their best banters were done with a warm cup of joe in their hands. I moved to Sweden in 2012 to start my family and it was here I discovered the "fika" and "mys" concepts. Since the start of my life here, I have fallen more in love with the art of taking a fika.

What is Fika and Mys

The Swedish word "fika" (pronounced "fee-kuh") refers to a coffee break, often accompanied by pastries, sandwiches, or other snacks. However it is so much more than that! It’s an important cultural tradition in Sweden that emphasizes taking a pause to relax and socialize with friends, family, or colleagues. Fika can happen at any time of the day and is often considered an opportunity to connect with others, share a moment, and enjoy a brief respite from daily routines. The practice of fika is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture, and is never taken on the go since the emphasis is on the value of spending time with those around you.

The Swedish word "mys" (pronounced "mees") refers to a cozy, warm, and pleasant atmosphere, often associated with relaxation, comfort, and togetherness. "Mys" is about creating a feeling of snugness and well-being, typically enjoyed with family, friends, or even alone. It can involve anything from lighting candles, enjoying a warm blanket, watching a movie, eating comfort food, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.

The concept of "mys" is similar to the Danish word "hygge" and reflects the importance of creating moments of coziness and contentment in everyday life, especially during the long, dark winters in Sweden. It embodies a sense of slowing down, savoring the moment, and embracing the simple pleasures of life

These two concepts go hand and hand as a fika can also be cozy or "mysig" as the Swedish like to say and that is what I want to bring to this blog is a feeling of warmth and comfort. Coffee brings both of those things and I want to explore it more together with you as the reader.

Welcome to This Fika Life. Grab a warm drink and take a brief pause from your daily life and enjoy a warm moment with me