Gino’s East x Tenderfresh: Famous Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Chain Returns To SG

Gino’s East x Tenderfresh returns with famous deep-dish pizza

Gino’s East Singapore is back after their pop-up in Yishun in early 2024! This time round, the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza chain is launching four signature pizza flavours and an expanded menu at four locations across the island: Tenderfresh Classic at Our Tampines Hub and Cheong Chin Nam, as well as Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop at Mega @ Woodlands and Jalan Kayu.

Gino’s East has been around since 1966. The Michelin-mentioned chain is best known for their nine-inch, deep-dish pizzas, starring a thick, golden crust made with a secret recipe.

While their other branches in the US are non-halal—pork and alcohol are used there—this SG outpost serves only halal-certified pizzas. The pizza dough is prepared in a central kitchen in Singapore every morning, using carefully sourced ingredients, before it’s assembled and fired up at the restaurant right before serving. Do note that there is a waiting time of around 15 minutes.

Diners can look forward to four signature nine-inch deep-dish pizzas at all four outlets: crowd-favourites Cheesy Legend ($29) and Spinach Margherita ($28), popular Meaty Legend ($33), and the newly launched Beef Pepperoni Supreme ($30). 

Whatever flavour you choose, the ingredients and cheese will be layered onto the thick pizza base first, before a heaping serving of house-made sauce is piled on top. Each pie is finished with parmesan cheese for an extra-cheesy affair.

If you love anything with cheese, try the Cheesy Legend flavour, which comprises four types: Italian mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and fresh mozzarella. 

This ended up being a favourite of ours due to the simple yet satisfying combination of flavours—the pie was loaded with a deliciously rich tomato sauce and a copious dose of cheese, then finished with a sprinkle of aromatic herbs. 

When compared to most pizzas readily available in Singapore, Gino’s East pizzas are much saucier and cheesier, with a thicker and denser crust that’s slightly crispy. The dough also boasts a unique golden-yellow shade, thanks to a secret ingredient.

If pizzas aren’t enough, zhng up your meal with a new range of dishes introduced by Gino’s East Singapore. There’s the Chicken Parmigiana Pasta ($13.90) with breaded chicken, the Pasta Alfredo with Smoked Duck ($11.90) featuring creamy fusilli, zucchini, and smoked duck breast and more. On our visit, we especially loved the alfredo pasta, which was creamy without being too heavy on the palate. 

If you want some light bites, get the Garlic Bread Bruschetta ($6.90) or Chicken Parmigiana Sub ($14.90) served in a toasted baguette with fries! If you’re a big fan of chicken wings, you can’t go wrong with their BBQ Chicken Wings ($9.90) and Signature Buffalo Chicken Wings ($9.90). These come with a side of crunchy celery and carrot sticks, as well as their fragrant housemade ranch sauce! 

For more pizzerias to check out, read our Fortuna Singapore review. Alternatively, read our guide to the best Korean fried chicken in Singapore. 

Website | Full list of locations
Tenderfresh Classic and Gino’s East Singapore are halal-certified.

Photos taken by Nabila Malek.
This was a media tasting at Tenderfresh Classic Cheong Chin Nam Road.