Step into Gwen’s Frozen on Joo Chiat Road and you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported into a 1950s American malt shop — all pastel pinks, comic books, and the smell of beef sizzling on a griddle. This isn’t a themed café. It’s a heartfelt, hand-built tribute to real American comfort food, created by a man who once helped build Game of Thrones.
Erin Nash, a Philadelphia native and former Hollywood visual effects supervisor (yes, Westworld, The Walking Dead — that Erin Nash), traded film sets for a flat top grill to build a retro culinary love letter for his daughter, Gwen. The result? A joyful, nostalgic space that serves some of the best American diner food I’ve tasted in Singapore — without any of the shortcuts.
A Taste of Authentic America: From Philly to NYC
Growing up in the Tri-State area, Erin fondly remembers flipping burgers and griddling steaks in American diners during summer breaks. Gwen’s Frozen recreates those iconic flavours with an obsessive attention to detail — reinterpreting Philly cheesesteaks, New York cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and classic cottage fries to reflect true American taste while staying fresh and wholesome.
Must-Try American Classics at Gwen’s Frozen:
🍔 New York Cheeseburger – A Burger That Speaks for Itself
This is not your average cheeseburger. The patty is ground in-house using a special blend of premium beef with no fillers — just pure, juicy meat. It’s then half-smashed onto thin-sliced onions on a hot griddle, topped with classic American cheese, and served on a soft, lightly toasted sweet bun. No secret sauce needed — just a touch of mayo to let the beef shine.
“This burger made me pause mid-bite. It’s simple, classic, and absolutely nailed.”
🥩 Philadelphia Cheesesteak – The Real Deal from Philly
Shaved premium ribeye, grilled with caramelised onions and melted cheese, then loaded into a soft, toasted short roll. Rich, savoury, and buttery soft — every bite is a taste of Philadelphia.
🍟 Hand-Cut Cottage Fries – Rustic, Crispy, and Irresistible
Cross-cut into thick, coin-sized discs with skins on for extra flavour and fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside — ideal for dipping or devouring solo. (Editor note: personally preferred a crispier version, but still hearty and satisfying!)
“They could’ve been crispier, but they still beat most fast-food chains. You’ll want to dunk these in everything.”
🍅 Classic Tomato Soup – Comfort in a Cup
Made from slow-simmered tomatoes and a house-blended mix of herbs and spices. It’s smooth, wholesome, and best enjoyed with a golden grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic American pairing.
The Dessert That Seals the Deal
🍦 Philadelphia Ice + Frozen Custard = Gelati Magic
Let me say it plainly: Gwen’s frozen custard is next level. Richer than ice cream (thanks to egg yolks), but smoother and denser, it doesn’t melt in a rush. The Philadelphia-style ices, made from real fruit and churned fresh every hour, are tart, slushy, and refreshing — perfect for Singapore’s heat.
The best part? You can layer the two into something called a Gelati — a dreamy dessert where you get the creamy richness of frozen custard and the bright tang of fruit ice in every bite.
I had the Peach Ice with Chocolate Custard, and it blew me away. The chocolate was silky and deep without being too heavy, while the peach ice was light, fruity, and just tart enough to balance the richness. It’s an unexpected pairing that works. I wanted another immediately.
Selections rotate depending on what fresh ingredients are available, so flavours like strawberry, mango, or even seasonal specials may pop up — and that just gives you a reason to keep coming back.
“This is the kind of dessert you dream about later. Cold, creamy, fruity, chocolatey — and totally addictive.”
The 1950s American Experience — Right Here in Singapore
Beyond the food, Gwen’s Frozen brings the joyful nostalgia of 1950s Americana to life. The shop’s pink-and-white retro design is complete with hand-painted menus, an old-school pink telephone, and even Archie Comics — setting the perfect scene for a malt shop revival in tropical Singapore.
Final Bite:
Whether you’re craving a Philly cheesesteak in Singapore, hunting for real frozen custard, or just yearning for a slice of Americana, Gwen’s Frozen is the real deal. It’s a deliciously heartfelt tribute from a father to his daughter — and now, to all of Singapore.
📍Gwen’s Frozen (Custard & Ices)
📍198 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427469
🕛 Tues–Thurs: 12PM–9PM | Fri–Sun: 12PM–10PM | Closed Mondays
📱 Reservations & Orders: +65 8127 8085 (WhatsApp)
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