Do you have a dish that holds a special place in your heart?
For me, Lemon meringue pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a poignant reminder of my Nana, Dottie, as I called her, and our cherished family traditions. She used to make this almost every Sunday when she came over for the family’s weekly roast. It had this amazing balance of tangy from the freshly picked and squeezed lemons in the curd and sweetness from the meringue that constantly won you over.
When she passed, I was incredibly fortunate to inherit her hand-written recipe book, a precious heirloom filled with her most beloved bakes. Some of those recipes I now now re-create and bake myself, but of course with my own twist.
Reflecting on your travels, is there a specific dining experience that stands out as particularly unforgettable?
My stand-out experience was our visit to Noma in Copenhagen back in 2011 with two of my best friends. The entire evening was a mesmerizing journey, each dish a masterpiece that lingers in my memory with vivid clarity. Service was on another level altogether. Along with the meal the journey leading up to the trip was something we all look back on fondly with delightful memories till today. It was an adventure to say the least, one that has also helped reshape my culinary perspective.
Can you recall a spontaneous food discovery during your travels that turned into an unexpectedly delightful culinary experience?
I have two! My first, perhaps not so spontaneous but a memory I fondly recall was at Lake Como in 2011. I visited a small little restaurant and had one of the best risottos to date. My mentor Paolo, who is Italian had told me so many stories about the place that being there to experience it for myself was the icing on the cake. He was the first I sent a message to – thankfully he didn’t try to gatekeep this amazing restaurant!
Every time I travel to Thailand, I love to meander down their streets and a ittle food stall to taste a local speciality. These experiences always blows me away. The way they balance, sweet, salty, sour and using only the best freshest ingredients is unreal. Thai food is definitely one of my favourite cuisines
If you could embark on a culinary journey to any destination in the world right now, where would you go and what local dish would be at the top of your must-try list?
Mexico! I want to visit the country and learn how to make traditional Mole. Also, I absolutely love Mexican food.Â
As you continue to evolve as a chef, what fundamental values or principles do you prioritize in your culinary creations, and how do they translate into the dishes you serve?
Stick to your guns – and try at best to support local.
As the Group Executive Chef for Tadcaster Hospitality, Jenna oversees four brands: BQ Bar, Dharma’s Kebabs, The Exchange and Cafe Melba. Hailing from New Zealand’s esteemed wine-producing region of Hawkes Bay, she embarked on her culinary journey at the age of 17. With an impressive career spanning two decades and global culinary influences such as renowned chefs like Peter Gordon the “Godfather of fusion food” and Dean Brettschneider (Global Chef and founder of Baker and Cook, Jenna has become a driving force in Singapore’s culinary scene.
Jenna’s dual mastery in both savoury and sweet culinary disciplines allows her to craft dishes that are not only delicious but also artistically presented. At the Exchange, she has introduced innovative twists on classic desserts such as Eton Mess (expect zesty lime meringue
and pandan creme flavours), and Coconut Mousse offering a taste of paradise with fragrant
mango and ginger flower granita. She is also a passionate educator and shares her knowledge through workshops, masterclasses, and training sessions, inspiring the next generation of culinary talents. In 2020, she co-authored a cookbook, “Cook: Food to Share”, with Dean Brettschneider and Helen Burge, offering a glimpse into her culinary world and inspiring food enthusiasts worldwide to explore new flavors and techniques.
About The Exchange
The Exchange at Asia Square is part of Tadcaster Hospitality, a holding company that operates cafes and restaurants in Singapore, Australia, the Philippines and beyond. Executive Chef Jenna White has recently introduced an exciting new “Inspiration: Sexy. Bold. Asian-Fusion” menu promises to elevate the dining experience for Singapore’s Central Business District clientele.
The new menu harmoniously blends flavors, textures, and aromas to tantalize diners with each bite. Their collaboration seamlessly intertwines Asian heritage with creative flair, promising an
At the heart of this culinary adventure lies the Damn Spicy Chicken bar bite, a mala-flavoured dish that will set taste buds ablaze and diners can pick their spice level, ensuring a fiery kick tailored to individual preferences. Some popular dishes at The Exchange include the Snapper Crudo, an entree dish that combines Italian tradition with a house-made kaffir lime dressing, pickled jalapenos, and locally sourced herbs, and their Beef Rendang, a fusion of Italian and Malaysian cuisine, and their house specialty the Lamb T-bone, accompanied by Japanese pumpkin wedges and asparagus, topped with Thai Massaman curry sauce.
The Exchange: 8 Marina View #01-05, Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960
Make your reservation here.
Open on
Monday & Tuesday: 8am – 10pm
Wednesday: 8am – 2am
Thursday & Friday: 8am-10pm
Closed on weekends and Public Holidays.
