Would you trade Hollywood stardom for hand-churned frozen custard and a 1950s-style diner in Joo Chiat Singapore? Erin Nash did exactly that. After over a decade working behind the visual magic of hit shows like Game of Thrones, Westworld and The Walking Dead, the Emmy-nominated visual effects supervisor left it all behind—not for another film, but for a new kind of legacy: Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices.
Named after his 8-month-old daughter, Gwen’s Frozen is Singapore’s first authentic American malt shop—a lovingly curated tribute to Erin’s own childhood memories in the US, right in the heart of Joo Chiat.
Bringing wholesome American classics to Joo Chiat with Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices
“I wanted to give my daughter something of mine to grow up with here in Singapore,” says Erin. “Food is the purest way to share culture, and Gwen’s Frozen is all about my memories growing up in America—Philly cheesesteaks, New York cheeseburgers, water ices, and creamy custards.”
The menu at Gwen’s reads like a postcard from the East Coast. Erin’s cheesesteaks are inspired by his favourite Philadelphia joint and made from shaved premium ribeye, grilled with onions and cheese, then served in soft, toasted short rolls. His burgers? A lovechild of two iconic New York burger spots. And the grilled cheese? Golden, gooey, and straight from a nostalgic American lunchbox.
What sets Gwen’s apart is not just authenticity, but intention. Every item is made fresh daily with whole ingredients. No shortcuts, no preservatives, no pre-mixed anything. Just good, honest American food—Erin-style.
Custards that defy gravity, and a Philly classic you’ve never heard of
The frozen custards here are thick enough to flip upside down without spilling a drop—don’t try it unless you’re confident! Made with cream and fresh egg yolks, Gwen’s custards offer a silky richness unlike anything currently on the local dessert scene. No chemicals, no additives, no fuss.
Then there are the ices—handmade, Philadelphia-style water ices (think slushie meets sorbet). “It’s like nothing you’ve had before in Singapore,” Erin says proudly. “We churn them hourly with real fruit, and the flavours melt right in your mouth.”
Choose from juicy peach, strawberry, tangy lemonade, or tropical lychee and mango. Or try the “Gelati” parfait—a delightfully American invention that layers custard and ice into one decadent treat. “Chocolate frozen custard with strawberry ice is like chocolate-covered strawberries in a cup,” Erin says. “It’s happiness in a spoon.”
A nostalgic slice of 1950s America, in pastel pink
Step into Gwen’s and you’re instantly transported—pastel pink and white interiors, hand-painted menu boards, an old-school rotary phone and stacks of Archie comics on the counter. It’s cheerful, it’s quirky, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen in Singapore’s F&B scene.
“We wanted Gwen’s to feel magical,” says Erin. “It’s not just about the food—it’s about giving people a space to make memories, just like I did when I was a kid.”
Try it first, bring your friends back for more
To celebrate the opening, Gwen’s Frozen is offering Buy-One-Get-One free on all sizes of their ices until 31 May 2025. And if you visit during the grand opening weekend from 25–27 April, you’ll get free fries and a medium ice with every main ordered.
📍 Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices is located at 198 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427469.
📲 Follow them on Instagram @gwensfrozen.sg for updates, specials and behind-the-scenes peeks.
So, whether you’re a homesick American, a curious foodie, or just a fan of great desserts, Gwen’s Frozen might just become your new happy place.
Also read: Scoops of happiness: Van Leeuwen brings sweet surprises to Singapore
