HA LONG

Ha long is an humble but warm and inviting little restaurant about a block from the big village square in Lund. While we were there, they did tons of takeout from folks in the neighborhood, and we were encouraged. Though the restaurant’s décor is clearly Asian inspired, we enjoyed the heavy Scandinavian tables and chairs — they felt pretty solid and lent some gravity to the place.
My food was delicious, if not simple. I gave the waitress a list of my food allergies, and she was able to easily steer me away from some appetizers, and we landed on good options. I had Tofu with basil and vegetables over rice, as well as the shrimp chips and vegetable spring rolls as appetizers. The food tasted fresh and used delicate and more inventive flavors than the run of the mill Chinese or Thai food restaurant. The meat was not the cheaper, chewy meat that some Chinese restaurants use, thinking Americans (or Swedes) can’t tell the difference.
This was a good neighborhood restaurant, and I’d happily return for takeout or a casual dinner.

Probably the best asian place in Lund. The friend noodles and the friend rice were delicious and the service was nice and fast! Recommended! ;)

Ha Long is best described as a place where Thai meets Vietnamese and this is certainly a union that works. It is indeed functional but without being great or memorable.
Ha Long is a relaxed place with friendly and accommodating staff that are warm and welcoming. However I for one can’t see/​feel the Asian vacation vibe from the decoration or the design, despite the restaurant’s claim.
Price/​portion-​wise Ha Long is a good deal, especially at lunchtime. The menu is a simple one even though there are around 100 alternatives available. Ha Long mange to offer this many dishes by mainly varying the protein used in each and every category. And to me this is somewhat non authentic as well as problematic. Apart from the meat taste and texture the woks or fried rice/​noodle dishes taste almost identical to each other as the sauce, seasoning and the veggies used are identical. This is indeed lazy, limiting as well as disappointing because some ingredients work much better together and should be matched individually.
What is right on the money at Ha Long? the spices. When stated hot the dishes are hot and when stated really hot they do indeed offer a kick. That deserve appraisal as it makes the dishes less Swedish-​fied and wussy! Among the dishes with a kick vegetable woks with chili & basil are great specially the ones accompanied with deep fried duck or chicken. In general the dishes made in coconut milk are tastier and better balanced than those in satay sauce.
With a little more effort and innovation in the kitchen Ha Long could indeed become as hot as their green/​red curry dishes but until then it is just a so-​so place.