Restaurang Chowkeeng, Luleå Travel Guide

Nestled on Stationsgatan in Luleå's historic Gammelstaden neighborhood, Restaurang Chowkeeng stands as a vibrant hub for pan-Asian cuisine amid Sweden's northern landscapes. This eatery masterfully blends influences from China, India, Korea, and Thailand, offering dishes that transport diners to distant spice routes despite the surrounding subarctic chill. The menu reflects a creative mix, where bold spices meet familiar comforts like pizza slices in the lunch buffet.

Weekdays from 11:00 to 14:00, the restaurant unfolds its signature Asian lunch buffet for 145 SEK per person. This generous spread includes multiple hot entrées such as stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes, complemented by a crisp salad bar, fresh bread, beverages, coffee, and tea. It's designed for swift yet satisfying meals, ideal for locals and visitors fueling up near the train station area. The buffet's variety ensures something for every palate, from mild vegetable options to fiery vindaloos.

As dusk falls over Luleå, Chowkeeng shifts to à la carte service starting at 16:00. Starters like Thai chicken satay with peanut sauce or crispy calamari set the tone, followed by mains such as Korean bulgogi with marinated beef, Indian lamb vindaloo simmering in potent spices, Chinese cashew chicken, or seafood squid preparations. Side dishes of steamed rice, naan bread, and garlic bread round out meals, with hot drinks like coffee and lattes providing warmth against northern evenings.

The kitchen excels in cross-cultural offerings: Korean specialties like kimchi-infused dishes rub shoulders with Indian butter chicken and Chinese chow mein. Vegetarian choices abound, including gnocchi adaptations, tofu stir-fries, and vegetable curries, while meat lovers savor pork, duck, and lamb preparations. Even unexpected fusion elements like empanadas or spaghetti nod to global experimentation, all crafted with ingredients like chilies, garlic, shrimp, and fresh herbs.

Inside, the space offers ample seating in a straightforward, echo-prone interior suited to casual gatherings. Open through evenings and weekends with extended Friday and Saturday hours until 22:00, it caters to dinner crowds and weekend brunch seekers. Sunday service runs from 15:00 to 21:00, making it a reliable spot year-round in Luleå's compact dining scene.