Saturdays are already made for Salmon, now there’s even more reason to indulge. Discover why Thai seafood lovers are obsessed with Norwegian Salmon.

Salmon continues to capture the heart of consumers around the world with its nutritional value and exceptional taste. In Thai society, it also plays a significant role in our modern culinary scene. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, antioxidants, and omega-3, Salmon has become a staple in restaurant kitchens around the world, including Thailand. Its versatility, whether grilled, smoked, or served raw, makes it a popular choice, offering both health benefits and a satisfying culinary experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. Eating Salmon is quick, easy, and healthy. Salmon first gained popularity through sushi, then expanded to sashimi and as a topping in poke bowls, becoming a go-to ingredient that is perfect in any dish. Koktail explores why Salmon has become such a popular choice within the Thai context.

Why Norwegian Salmon?

Norwegian Salmon has earned a strong global reputation for its quality and consistency, making it a top choice among chefs and consumers alike. Raised in the cold, clear waters of Norway under strict aquaculture standards, it’s known for its freshness, clean flavour, and premium quality. Its popularity has soared in Thailand, particularly with the rise of sushi culture and the presence of over 5,700 Japanese restaurants nationwide. In fact, over the past five years, Norwegian Salmon exports to Thailand have more than doubled, reaching nearly THB 6.5 billion in 2024, according to Åshild Nakken, Southeast Asia Regional Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC).

Thai People Love Both Dining Out and Enjoying Norwegian Salmon at Home

Turns out, we’re not alone in loving a good Salmon dinner at home, especially on weekends. A recent survey by Norwegian Seafood Council in October 2024 shows that 56% of Thai consumers enjoy Salmon at home once a week or more, mostly with family or a partner. Whether it’s a cosy home-cooked meal with baked Salmon or a fun dinner date making sushi and sashimi together, it’s always a treat. And when it comes to buying, quality beats price every time. After all, Thai people want something that tastes great with good quality.

One reason behind this trend could be Salmon’s convenience, it’s quick and easy to prepare and widely available in everyday grocery stores. Many people choose seafood because it’s both delicious and nutritious. In fact, 62% of consumers say taste is their top priority, followed by good pricing at 55% and healthy options at 50%. Nearly half (47%) also say that enjoying Salmon at home helps them feel more relaxed. To add a creative twist, Thai cuisine is encouraged to prepare with salmon at home, as it’s easy to cook and pairs well with bold Thai flavours like miang kum, gaeng som, and khao soi. The result is a dish that feels both familiar and elevated. 

Additionally, Thai people also enjoy dining out, as we’re seeing the trend of eating sashimi and sushi train restaurants emerging in Bangkok. These spots offer high-quality Japanese dishes with fun and interactive experience that’s especially popular among younger diners and foodies. Salmon, in particular, is a crowd favourite. Whether served as sashimi, nigiri, or in creative rolls,  it’s always a recommended menu. While many still enjoy sashimi, diners are drawn to innovative dishes crafted by chefs using fresh salmon. From salmon tartare to grilled fillets, the fish can be prepared in a variety of ways, with different parts offering various textures and flavours.

Salmon Saturday, the Latest Campaign from Seafood from Norway

“The previous campaign, Norwegian Thai Taste, featuring Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund, increased consumer awareness of Norwegian seafood to 95%, reinforcing Thailand’s demand for high-quality, healthy seafood. We remain committed to further strengthening Norway’s presence in this growing market,” explains Åshild Nakken.

This year, Seafood from Norway is launching the Salmon Saturday campaign, and it’s all about celebrating Thai people’s love for Salmon. From their dedication to research over Thai consumer’s preference, Saturdays have become the perfect day to enjoy tasty and healthy Norwegian Salmon with your family, friends, or that special someone. To make weekends even better, the campaign is teaming up with renowned restaurants and retailers across Thailand to bring you exciting deals and many dishes, all made with Norwegian Salmon. 

Special offers include hotel dining and restaurants featuring smoked Salmon at Mandarin Oriental, Atlantic Salmon confit at The St. Regis Bangkok, Salmon ikura don at Kamui Hokkaido Dining, and many more.

Prefer to cook at home? You can grab Norwegian Salmon at special prices from Tops, Gourmet Market, Foodland, Big C, J Gourmet, and Thammachart Seafood, at all branches nationwide.

For more information, visit their website at https://www.fromnorway-th.com/

#SalmonSaturday #SeafoodfromNorway