Join Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund in her kitchen where family, culture, and Norwegian seafood create lasting memories.

The language of love is often spoken in the kitchen through home-cooked meals. More than a room where meals are prepared, the kitchen is the heart of a home, a place where warmth is shared, memories are created, and bonds are strengthened. 

Across cultures food is where love takes shape. That idea lies at the heart of Salmon Saturday campaign, where culture and connection are celebrated just as much as flavour. 

When we catch up with Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund, the Thai actress with both Thai and Norwegian heritage, at the Seafood from Norway Festival 2025, she reflects on how food has always shaped her sense of connection. As Seafood from Norway’s Thailand presenter, Yaya tells us about her love language through the simple heartfelt act of sharing food.

In Yaya’s Kitchen Lies Traditions and Gatherings

Though Yaya grew up surrounded by Thai culture, her father made sure Norwegian traditions were always part of her life too. Coming from a big, close-knit family, she recalls that their most meaningful memories were often built around the dining table.

“I think one of my favourite things about my heritage is the way food brings us together,” she shares warmly. “In Norway we always have family dinners, with food gathering us all together very often.” 

As Yaya shares one of her most memorable moments, her thoughts immediately go to Christmas. For her the holiday reflects the heart of Norwegian tradition, a time when families always come together. She recalls how Christmas food becomes the centrepiece of connection, bringing everyone around the table. 

In Norway, Christmas holds a special place in people’s hearts. No matter how far away they are, it’s the season when most make their way home for festive gatherings and joyful rituals. The holiday is a time for big meals, warmth, and shared moments. This tradition grounds her, reminding her of how food carries culture, connection, and love across borders.

Yaya’s Dining Table 

One cultural tradition Yaya fondly remembers is the Norwegian lunch fare called smørbrød, a simple yet iconic dish of open-faced sandwiches. In Norway, these are usually served on buttered bread and topped with ingredients like smoked salmon, herring, cheese, or fresh vegetables, often finished with onions or herbs. They are a staple in Norwegian homes, cafes, and festive gatherings, offering a quick, versatile meal while also serving as a way for families and friends to connect over food. She recalls enjoying it for lunch at home, picking her own bread and toppings, making each plate uniquely hers. This allows her to connect with her heritage in a personal way. 

“And also, if you guys ever go to Scandinavia, one thing that we Norwegians especially love to have is herring,” Yaya adds. 

Herring is a traditional favourite in Norwegian cuisine, often pickled or cured and served cold with onions, herbs, or mustard sauce. Fish plays a central role in many Norwegian meals, reflecting the country’s long coastline, fjords, and rich fishing culture. With fresh, clean waters and an abundance of seafood, Norwegians have long relied on fish not just for flavour but also for its nutritional benefits, including heart-healthy omega-3s.

Yaya’s Secret Recipe

“I know I’ve said this a lot, but the dish that instantly reminds me of home and my childhood is probably baked salmon. My dad does it really well.” 

Yaya fondly recalls how the aroma of baked salmon would fill the house, drawing the whole family together around the table. And as we make our way to the heart of the home, the kitchen, Yaya generously shares the recipe with us, inviting everyone to try it at home.

“So, so, so simple: if you have an oven at home, preheat it, place your salmon on foil, add three slices of lemon on top, and sprinkle dill on the side. That’s it. It’s easy and incredibly delicious. I can guarantee it will be yummy.”

In our conversation, she reflects on how these meals go beyond just eating:

“Every day I meet people only briefly like when I go to work or I am on set. The only time I really have a chance to make a genuine connection and engage in meaningful conversation is at the dining table. Food and meals are key elements in creating links because when you sit together and share something delicious, that’s when conversation and true connection begins.”