Swedish Fika

“Fika” is an old Swedish tradition that is more about spending time together than the actual drinking of coffee, as in Italy. Instead, in Sweden, the social aspect is crucial: you have to socialise while eating goodies and drinking coffee. Oh, goodies. Could that be anything? No, definitely not. The classic Swedish cakes and pastries for a fika are princess cake, strawberry cake, mocha squares and sponge cake, chocolate balls, cinnamon buns and various small bakes like hazelnut biscuits and dream cookies, and perhaps even an open prawn sandwich. At Christmas there are gingerbread and Lucia buns, of course. In February we also eat plenty of Lent buns: buns filled with cream and almond paste. You can also order a “hetvägg”, which is a Lent bun served with hot milk.

So as you see, fika is quite simply a time to eat lots of tasty treats, as well as a time to relax, socialise and chat.  

You’ll find some of the recipes that guarantee a Swedish fika here >>
https://visitsweden.com/swedish-fika/

Where you can fika like a local in Hjo

  Handelsboden Njuta 

Handelsboden Njuta is a small café and a chocolate shop right by the market square. The word "Njuta" means "enjoy", which is exactly what you are able to do in here. Enjoy and treat yourself with a "fika" throughout the day, a good cup of coffee or tea and of course, a chocolate pralin. Or why not take the opportunity to browse through all the goodies in the shop, tasty chocolate pralines, old-fashioned sweets, tea and coffee assortments amongst other things. 

  Vete & Råg 

Vete & Råg is the oldest café in Hjo, which in 2006, opened its doors to the public. Since then, the baker Charlotte and her artist husband Erik have served home-baked sourdough bread and Swedish pastries to residents and visitors alike. The café, located by the market square, offers a cozy laid back environment, where you can easily feel at home. Sink into the armchairs and read a book in the small library, sip your morning coffee while watching the town come to life around the square, or enjoy Erik's art on the walls while eating your lunch.

  Guldkanten Café

At Guldkantens Café on Magasinsgatan in the harbor, you can enjoy Guldkanten's vast assortment of cakes, buns, cakes and pastries. Everything is baked on site in their own bakery.

Enjoy everything from classical cinnamon buns and typical Swedish pastries to caramel pies, Rocky Road pastries, After Eight slices and fudge. January until March, lent buns in alls sorts and shapes are also common!