In celebration of World Water Day 2026, JÄÄDE partners with acclaimed pastry chef Janice Wong to present a limited-time, water-inspired degustation at 2am:dessertbar.
Centred on the idea of water as ingredient, texture, and inspiration, the four-course menu redefines how diners experience one of the most essential yet overlooked elements in gastronomy.
To uncover the story behind this collaboration, we spoke with Janice Wong and JÄÄDE founder Allan Poh about the origins, challenges, and possibilities of working with water in dessert. To find out more about the desserts, visit our Instagram page at this LINK.
From Lahti, Finland to Singapore: Where It All Began
The collaboration traces back to Lahti, Finland, home to JÄÄDE’s pristine glacial aquifer beneath the Salpausselkä ridges.
Allan shares:
“We just started this brand quite recently, and last year we brought influencers from Singapore to Lahti to showcase the city and the water. Janice was our top choice, and that’s how we met. From there, she led the creative direction of what could be done with water.”
For Janice, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring.
“I learned a lot through this process especially about water quality, tasting, and pairing. It’s something people don’t usually think about, but it makes a big difference.”
Water as the Foundation of Dessert
While water is present in almost every dish, Janice explains that its importance is often underestimated.
“Water is a big part of desserts sometimes up to half of the composition so the quality has to be very good.”
Through experimentation, she began to understand how different waters influence flavour and texture.
“When you start comparing different waters, you realise how much it affects the final result.”
This realisation shaped the philosophy of the menu, one that prioritises clarity, balance, and restraint.
Minimal Sugar, Maximum Expression
A key aspect of the degustation is the deliberate reduction of sugar, allowing water to take centre stage.
“We try to keep sugar very minimal, because once you add sugar, it masks the purity of the water,” Janice explains.
She also rethinks traditional pastry techniques:
“Instead of using egg whites and sugar for meringue, you can use water with a stabiliser to create aeration. You still get a good texture, but without the sweetness.”
The result is a series of desserts that feel lighter, cleaner, and more nuanced than conventional interpretations.
Inspired by Nature: Translating Lahti into Desserts
Janice’s visit to Lahti played a significant role in shaping the menu’s aesthetic and direction.
“When I visited Lahti and saw the natural environment and water facilities, everything was very clean. That inspired the direction of the desserts, we wanted that same sense of purity.”
From soft, cloud-like textures to icy, sculptural elements, the desserts reflect both Nordic landscapes and her contemporary pastry style.
The Menu: A Four-Course Expression of Water
The Janice Wong × JÄÄDE degustation ($58++) presents four desserts, each interpreting water through different textures, temperatures and forms.
Arctic Drop – Water | Citrus | Butterfly Pea | Lychee
A delicate, translucent water jelly inspired by the purity of Lahti’s glacial aquifer. Lightly infused with butterfly pea and lychee, it is paired with a bright citrus sorbet that adds a refreshing burst of acidity, capturing the crisp freshness of a Nordic summer.
Nordic Cloud ($22++) – Aerated Cheese Mousse | Soursop | Figs
A light, airy cheese mousse, gently aerated to create a cloud-like texture that dissolves effortlessly on the palate. Inspired by Finland’s pristine dairy heritage, it is complemented by the soft sweetness of figs and the tropical brightness of soursop, evoking snowdrifts shaped by Arctic air.
Lahti Stone ($25++) – 70% Chocolate H₂O Mousse | Caramel | Yuzu Sorbet
Inspired by the rugged beauty of Lahti’s rocky shores, this dessert takes the form of an edible stone, textured on the outside, yet soft within. Encased in rich dark chocolate is a velvety H₂O mousse made with JÄÄDE water, paired with caramel notes and a vibrant yuzu sorbet.
Glacial Garden – Sweet Corn | Rose | Coconut | Gula Melaka
A poetic interpretation of Finnish snowfall, layered with sweet corn cream and coconut, balanced with floral rose notes and the warm depth of gula melaka. The dessert reflects Janice Wong’s Southeast Asian heritage while drawing inspiration from Nordic winter landscapes.
Aurora-Inspired Drinks to Complete the Experience
To complement the degustation, 2am:dessertbar also offers two aurora borealis-inspired drinks featuring JÄÄDE sparkling water:
- Aurora Zest ($22++) – a refreshing cocktail
- Forest Fizz ($16++) – a light and vibrant mocktail
These beverages extend the water-centric concept beyond desserts, creating a more immersive experience.
Beyond the Plate: Craft, Purity and Expansion
For Allan, the brand’s philosophy is rooted in preserving water in its most natural state.
“We don’t put the water through heavy processing. There’s no UV treatment only mechanical filtration for sand and gravel.”
To ensure quality, strict testing protocols are in place:
“We conduct both in-house and external lab tests before shipping, to ensure the water is safe for consumption.”
Looking ahead, JÄÄDE is focused on regional growth.
“We are currently in Singapore and China, and while we explored the UAE, we are focusing on Southeast Asia and China this year.”
A Vision Beyond Singapore
Both Janice and Allan see this collaboration as the beginning of a larger movement.
“We hope to promote this concept and take it overseas. It’s something unique, a water-based dessert experience,” Allan shares.
Janice echoes this sentiment:
“There’s actually a lot you can do with water. I hope this inspires more chefs to explore it.”
Plan Your Visit
The Janice Wong × JÄÄDE water-inspired degustation will be available:
- From 20 March 2026
- For a limited period of two weeks
- At 2am:dessertbar, Singapore
The full degustation is priced at $58++, with selected desserts available à la carte.
For more information on the exclusive menu, please visit https://2amdessertbar.com/pages/jaade-x-janice-wong
To learn more about JÄÄDE, please visit https://jaadewater.com/
Images of Desserts and Drinks credit to JÄÄDE
