What happens when a Hollywood visual effects pro trades dragons and dystopias for cheesesteaks and frozen custard? You get Gwen’s Frozen, Singapore’s first true-blue American malt shop—and it’s full of heart, heritage, and hand-churned treats.

Located in a pastel-hued shophouse in Joo Chiat, Gwen’s Frozen isn’t just another dessert spot—it’s a heartfelt tribute from founder Erin Nash to his American roots and his Singaporean daughter, Gwen (yep, she’s the namesake). Erin left behind a high-flying career in Hollywood’s VFX scene—think Game of Thrones and Westworld—to build something more personal and delicious here in Singapore.

From Philly Cheesesteaks to Frozen Custards

The menu reads like a love letter to Erin’s childhood summers spent flipping burgers on the griddle in diners back in the US. Think classic Philly Cheesesteaks, New York-style cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and hand-cut fries, all made from scratch using whole, fresh ingredients. Erin’s mission? To show Singapore that American food can be wholesome, flavourful, and far from “junk.”

Gwen’s cheesesteaks are made with premium shaved ribeye, griddle-chopped with onions and gooey cheese, then tucked into a soft, lightly toasted roll. The burgers? They’re house-ground from a custom beef blend for that juicy bite that hits just right.

The Coolest Custards & Ices in Town

Of course, no American malt shop is complete without dessert—and Gwen’s delivers. Their frozen custards are ultra-creamy and thick enough to hold upside down (seriously), made in-house with fresh egg yolks and real cream—no additives, pre-mixes, or shortcuts.

But the real showstopper might be the Philadelphia ices (aka “water ice”)—a refreshing hybrid of slushie and sorbet that’s brand new to Singapore. Handmade from fresh fruit and natural flavours, the ices come in punchy flavours like juicy peach, strawberry, lychee, lemonade and mango, and are flipped hourly for peak freshness.

And then there’s the Gelati—a brilliant parfait of frozen custard layered with water ice for the best of both worlds. We’re eyeing the chocolate-and-strawberry combo for a “chocolate covered strawberries” moment, or vanilla with lemonade ice for a sunny twist.

Retro Vibes, Modern Heart

Step into Gwen’s and it’s like walking into a 1950s comic strip. The shop is decked out in cheerful pink and white, with hand-painted signs, a vintage rotary phone, and even classic Archie comics. It’s kitschy in all the right ways—and brimming with warmth.

This isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a place to feel something—a touch of nostalgia, a dose of joy, and a scoop (or three) of seriously good ice cream.

Opening Promos to Know

🧊 BOGO on all sizes of ices until 31 May 2025
🍟 25–27 April (Fri–Sun): Free fries and medium ice with every main ordered

📍 Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices
📍 Joo Chiat (Full address via @gwensfrozen on Instagram)

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