Gwen’s Frozen — A Retro American Diner with Heart, Now Soft-Launched on Joo Chiat Road
Now in soft launch ahead of its official 25 April opening, Gwen’s Frozen is the newest addition to Joo Chiat Road’s vibrant café scene — and it’s straight out of a Wes Anderson frame. Think white and baby pink pinstripe walls, hand-painted menu boards, a vintage pink rotary phone, and Archie comics lining the shelves. Styled like a 1950s American malt shop, the café serves up comforting American classics including Philadelphia cheesesteaks, New York-style cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, frozen custards, and handmade frozen ices — somewhere between a slushie and a sorbet.
But behind the aesthetics and nostalgia is a heartfelt origin story. Gwen’s Frozen was founded by American-born Erin Nash, a Hollywood visual effects supervisor who worked on major productions like Game of Thrones, Westworld, and The Walking Dead. Inspired by his childhood summers spent as a short-order cook, Erin opened the café as a love letter to his heritage — and to his Singaporean daughter, Gwen. After relocating to Singapore during the pandemic, Erin left his studio role in New York to focus on family, channeling his culinary memories into what would become Gwen’s Frozen.
The menu reflects Erin’s commitment to wholesome American comfort food, made without preservatives or pre-made ingredients. Everything — from the juicy cheeseburgers inspired by New York institutions to the fruit-forward ices — is crafted using whole, natural ingredients. Beyond its charming façade, Gwen’s Frozen hopes to reframe perceptions of American cuisine and introduce a thoughtful, family-driven approach to food that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.


