7 Reasons Fika Fika Coffee Is The Nordic Roasting Anchor Of Asia

Fika Fika Coffee is more than just a café; it is a pivotal cultural anchor that brought the precision of Scandinavian roasting to the heart of Taipei, Taiwan. As of late 2024, the specialty coffee market in Taiwan is experiencing significant growth, with sales expected to surpass NT$40 billion, underscoring the importance of pioneers like Fika Fika in shaping the dynamic local scene. This establishment, founded by the internationally acclaimed Chih-Huang Chen, is celebrated for its commitment to the Swedish concept of 'Fika'—a social break—blended seamlessly with world-class, bright, light-roasted coffee. This article dives deep into the unique philosophy and award-winning craftsmanship that has cemented Fika Fika Cafe’s reputation, not just in Asia, but globally. It’s a compelling case study in how a Taiwanese roaster mastered a distinctly Nordic technique to redefine quality and experience in the bustling city of Taipei.

The Profile of Chih-Huang Chen, Founder of Fika Fika Cafe

Chih-Huang Chen is the visionary founder and master roaster behind Fika Fika Cafe, a name synonymous with specialty coffee excellence in Asia. He is recognized as a pioneering Taiwanese roaster who successfully bridged the cultural gap between the vibrant Asian coffee scene and the meticulous, bright-roast philosophy of the Nordic countries. * Full Name: Chih-Huang Chen (often referred to as Mr. Chen). * Role: Founder, Owner, and Master Roaster of Fika Fika Cafe. * Location: Taipei, Taiwan. * Key Achievement (2013): Champion of the prestigious Nordic Roaster Competition. * Award Details: He achieved a double gold medal victory in the competition, a testament to his exceptional skill in the light-roasting technique. * Philosophy: Mr. Chen's work is rooted in the Swedish concept of "Fika," which translates to "to have coffee, cake, and a chit-chat," emphasizing the social and communal aspect of the coffee break. * Impact: His victory in the Nordic Roaster Competition was a landmark moment, establishing Fika Fika Cafe as an authority on Nordic-style specialty coffee in the Asian market.

7 Reasons Fika Fika Cafe Redefined Specialty Coffee in Asia

Fika Fika Cafe's influence goes far beyond its physical location in Taipei. It represents a major shift in the Asian specialty coffee market, challenging traditional preferences for darker roasts with its bright, meticulously crafted light-roast profiles.

1. The Landmark Nordic Roaster Competition Victory

The single most defining factor for Fika Fika Coffee is its founder's 2013 victory at the Nordic Roaster Competition. This competition, held in Northern Europe, is highly respected and focuses on the characteristic light-roasting style of the Scandinavian region. Chih-Huang Chen's double gold medal win was unprecedented for a Taiwanese roaster, instantly elevating his cafe to international renown. This achievement validated his mastery of a complex, distinct roasting technique and put Taipei on the global specialty coffee map.

2. Pioneering the Nordic Light Roast in Taiwan

Before Fika Fika, the dominant coffee culture in Taiwan, and much of Asia, favored medium to dark roasts. The Nordic roasting style, which is a very light roast, aims to preserve the bean's inherent acidity, fruity notes, and floral aromas. Fika Fika Cafe became an anchor in the Taipei scene by successfully introducing and popularizing this brighter, more nuanced flavor profile, offering a "different interpretation of quality" to local coffee enthusiasts.

3. The 'Fika' Cultural Experience

The name Fika Fika is inspired by the traditional Swedish social ritual, which encourages people to "slow down, drink coffee." This philosophy is baked into the cafe’s atmosphere, which is designed to be a welcoming, inviting space for a social break. It’s not just about the quality of the brew, but the quality of the time spent, making the experience a holistic blend of Scandinavian culture and Taiwanese hospitality.

4. A Curated Menu of Scandinavian and Local Delights

While the coffee is the star, Fika Fika Cafe complements its world-class brews with a selection of pastries and light bites that enhance the 'Fika' experience. The menu features classic baked goods and unique savory items, demonstrating a blend of international and local tastes. Key Menu Entities & Offerings: * Baked Goods: Scone, Sticky Bun, Tiramisu, and Flan. * Savory Items: Smoked Ham and Cheese Toast, Cod Roe Baguette, and Smoked Chicken Baguette. * Beverages: Iced Coffee, Cappuccino, and Milk Tea, showcasing both traditional and specialty options. This curated selection ensures that the food items—like the popular *scone* and *sticky bun*—serve as the perfect accompaniment to the bright, acidic specialty coffee.

5. The Anchor of Taipei's Specialty Coffee Scene

Fika Fika Cafe is frequently cited by coffee critics and travel guides as one of the best specialty coffee shops in Taipei. Its consistent quality and unique Nordic-Asian fusion approach have made it a must-visit destination. This consistent presence has helped to drive the overall growth of the specialty coffee market in Taiwan, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.

6. Commitment to Roasting Craftsmanship and Brightness

Mr. Chen’s philosophy centers on the idea that the roasting process should showcase the natural characteristics of the green bean, rather than masking them with a dark roast. This results in "bright roasts" that highlight the bean's origin flavors. The cafe's dedication to this craftsmanship ensures every cup, whether a simple *iced coffee* or a *cappuccino*, meets a world-class standard.

7. Inspiring a New Wave of Asian Roasters

The success of Chih-Huang Chen and Fika Fika Cafe has served as an inspiration for other roasters across Asia. It demonstrates that mastering international techniques, such as the *Nordic roasting technique*, can lead to global recognition and a successful local business. The cafe's existence encourages a broader exploration of *specialty coffee* varieties and *roast levels* in a region where coffee consumption is on a steady upward trend.

The Future of Fika Fika and the Taiwan Coffee Market

The future looks exceptionally bright for Fika Fika Coffee, largely because it operates at the intersection of a global trend—the rise of *specialty coffee*—and a booming local market. Taiwan's coffee sales are projected to surpass NT$40 billion in 2024, reflecting an explosion in demand. The cafe's focus on the *Nordic light roast* positions it perfectly within the global movement towards appreciating the complex, natural flavors of the coffee bean. As *Taiwanese coffee consumption* continues to surge, Fika Fika Cafe remains a crucial educational hub, introducing new customers to the nuances of *single-origin beans* and the art of the perfect *pour-over*. The enduring success of this cafe confirms that the Swedish tradition of *Fika*, when paired with champion-level *roasting craftsmanship*, translates beautifully into a world-class Asian experience.