I was walking up Raymond Avenue on Sunday, March 30, when suddenly, a colorful window display caught my eye. It was no surprise that this new establishment was calling my name—I did not need much convincing since the vinyls outside spoke of Swedish candy and Nordic comfort.
Upon entering Fika & Hygge, a cafe and candy store, I was greeted with a stunning, large and colorful selection of sweets and a warm welcome from the owner, Deb. I spent my time browsing the corners and reading the names of organized candies, many of which I had never seen before. The licorice, marshmallows, gummies and chocolates all had so much variation. They were decorated with sprinkles or truffle powder, filled with caramel and toffee; I was very tempted to participate in the pick-and-mix nature of the candy shop, but instead continued to the cafe portion of the store.
I gazed at the menu and immediately knew I would have to return soon to try their specialty drinks. How could I possibly pass up on the Valkyrie, a maple syrup and toasted marshmallow oat milk latte? Or a Swedish licorice tea? Nonetheless, I decided to order a chai latte and a cardamom bun, because when you see a cardamom bun, you get it. I sat down in one of the many seating options in the cafe, deciding to make a temporary home on one of the soft couches next to the outlet, and set my goods on a low table. Both the bun and the hot chai were divine. They paired excellently together, but they were equally as lovely standalone. I read the zarf of my coffee cup: “(Hue-gah) (Danish, n.): Cozy vibes personified.” Yes, this place was undeniably hygge. I could not help but smile as I ate and drank and worked on my homework, knowing that this will be my next go-to study spot.
Curious to know more about what inspired this woman-owned Scandinavian cafe and candy shop, I spoke to the owner, Deb, and the general manager, Daryon.
The main premise of Fika & Hygge is to bring a bit of Scandinavian culture back to the States, something Deb holds close to her heart. Having lived in Scandinavian countries and then moving to New York City, Deb realized that with the hustle of city life, the States were missing an integral part of the Scandinavian lifestyle—cafe culture. There was little time to sit, sip and enjoy your life in the present. She made it her mission to change that. Coupled with a love for Swedish candy, Deb decided to open up a pick-and-mix candy shop that doubles as a cafe in order to emphasize simple pleasures. Choosing to open here, in Arlington, allows for an exchange of culture and ideas. With close proximity to family and Vassar, as well as other small businesses, Fika & Hygge can inspire and be inspired by the creative community surrounding them. Furthermore, it connects coffee and college—two things that seem to always walk hand-in-hand, as Daryon points out.
I was curious to learn more about what inspired the name of the cafe. “Fika means pausing to enjoy the present moment,” Daryon shared, whereas hygge embodies the idea of a cozy atmosphere. In fact, business advisors warned against using two uncommon words as the name for the cafe, Daryon mentioned. She continued: “But we did it anyway, using it as an opportunity to teach people new words and inspire customers.” Deb explains how Danish design is like eye candy—pun intended—so it seemed like a clear choice to make the interior design hygge: clean lines, light hues complemented by pops of color and innovative shapes.
The snacks and drinks were equally as fresh, leading me to my next inquiry. How did they choose what products to sell? All the candy is shipped from Sweden, which makes for unique and creative flavor profiles that use fewer additives. A broad selection of the candies are also halal or kosher, providing the opportunity for more people to indulge. They carry trending candies, like Bubs Swedish candy, and even Taylor Swift’s favorites: the Squashies. However, it is also necessary to find your own favorites. I tried one of Deb’s, a truffle licorice ball, and fell in love, as I did with one of Daryon’s favorites, too: the strawberry mushroom marshmallow.
The coffee was also made with the intention of replicating Scandinavian favorites. The roasts and blends are all meticulously managed by Daryon, whom Deb entrusted to take creative leeway so long as that distinct Swedish flavor profile shines through. The pastries come from a variety of sources; some from Balthazar in the city; others are brought from local businesses like Kelly’s Bakery, where a collaboration with Kevin Halim, the owner of Kelly’s, is responsible for the delicious Swedish cardamom buns I was snacking on earlier. In this fashion, Fika & Hygge aim to uplift small businesses in and around Poughkeepsie, emphasizing how success is built upon partnerships.
Teamwork is integral in Fika & Hygge; I can see it in the way staff work with each other. From Daryon teaching baristas new skills to Deb collaborating with faculty on design, they radiate cooperativity and communication. This was underscored by Deb, who shared how the core values of the cafe are diversity and equity. Employee satisfaction is just as important as bringing joy into a customer’s day.
Despite initial hiring challenges and the nervous anticipation of the soft opening, Fika & Hygge already have exciting plans for the future. Possible savory pastries, Arlington Bucks, book club meetings and movie nights circulate the air. There is also talk of later closing times on some days so that students can have the opportunity to study into the night, accompanied by coffee and sweet pick-me-ups. I know I will be there!
Fika & Hygge will surely become a Poughkeepsie staple: a place where people can come and bond over sweets, socialize over coffee and study peacefully together.
I cannot wait to go to Fika & Hygge. I know Deb and have watched the creation of soon to become a Poughkeepsie Landmark. Lora’s review has only served to stimulate my desire. I wish F&H great success.