In Sweden, Fika is a cherished tradition. It’s a daily moment to cherish life over of a coffee, sometimes including pastries, loved ones, and a cozy environment. Sign me up!

The little dreamland that is Fika (the coffee place in Brussels) constitutes the perfect coffee break. I’m a huge fan of light wood, minimalist Scandinavian interiors, well-roasted coffee and mini sweet treats, so Fika is right up my alley.

If you are lucky, your visit will coincide with their pastry-making time (which are made in an open space in the cafe). The whole place smells like Christmas, as they make kanelbulle (Swedish cinnamon rolls). My usual order at Fika is a comforting latte with one of those, or a mini-Semla. I then find a cozy seat and take a break from the buzzing city.

If you go to Fika in the summer, you can choose to hang out in their backyard overlooking the neighboring church,  which, I admit, is very pleasant. But for me, Fika is all about the interior’s coziness. And their good coffee. And the all-you-can-drink lemon water.