Living and Studying in Umeå: The Swedish Fika

Hello again!

So you might be wondering to yourself... ‘What do people do in this weird little place called Umeå’? Well i’l tell you. We study, we ski, we occasionally have a beer or two, but most of all we fika. My friends and I fika so much it should be illegal. In fact, many people have commented we live the life of a retired community in Florida.

I should probably tell you what it is and why we do it:A fika is essentially gathering up all your friends or perhaps just one special friend and finding a great cafe, a sunny bench, or a kitchen table and drinking coffee/tea and eating the most exquisite of cakes while chatting about everything and everyone and anything. This custom will not only make you slightly chubby and an experienced chef when it comes to Swedish baking...it will also keep you really happy during the winter months.

The winter is long and cold and dark (and wonderful in case nobody mentioned that part). Don’t worry about the lack of daylight. Regular fikas with everyone you know is a great way to maintain social contact and energy levels during the winter chill. Don’t neglect fika time!

Since I was a kid, frequent visits to Sweden have taught me that there are certain Swedish cakes you just can’t replicate anywhere else in the world. Take advantage of them and treat yourself to:

Lussebulle: These yellow wonders only surface around Christmas time and they are truly delicious. Eat them with some ‘Julmust’ or some ‘Glögg’ and you will be more festive than santa himself.

2. Kanelbulle: These cinnamon swirls of heaven are a Swedish classic. Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a Friday morning to kick off the weekend.

Princesstårta: This cake has the power to render you speechless. Only to be had when you have something to celebrate..and only to be bought from a bakery.

4. Kladdkaka: In other words, sweet, gooey chocolatey heaven. See post on transport for a recipe (courtesy of my cake addict friend Karin)

In Umeå there are many places you can fika and i’m sure over time you will find your own favourite places. Until then, here are mine:

1. Nya Konditoriet: This cafe can be found on the main street down town Umeå. (Kungsgatan 57 ) It has a bakery downstairs and a cafe upstairs that is super cosy

2. Lindelhallen : This is an on campus cafe that is situated above the library. It is often used as a meeting point for many students and it always has a lovely atmosphere. Steer clear of the lasagne however!

3. Wayne’s Coffee: This is a cafe on Storgatan 50 down town. Try the Chai Latte it tastes like Christmas in your mouth.

4. Kafe Station: This is a cafe just next to the cinema on Östra Rådhusgatan 2. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours chatting and they do an excellent Lemon cheesecake!