In this chapter, the authors conceptualise the Swedish concept of fika in terms of a historically rooted, cultural meal practice encompassing specific values. The mundane but multi-faceted practice enables the exploration of a meal centred around social gathering and food composition.

The authors also suggest that research into fika presents an opportunity to develop Culinary Arts and Meal Science by contributing to new scientific collaborations. By providing a “case” which, like the full gastronomic meal, can be looked at in relation to health and sustainability, financial soundness, internationalisation, branding, design, and other topics, the practice of fika is well worth investigating.