This Retro American Diner Has Frozen Custard, Loaded Cheesesteak And More 

Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices is a retro American diner in Joo Chiat

Ever since we tried Joji’s Diner in Serangoon, we have been yearning for more American-style diners to set up shop in Singapore. So when we heard of the newly opened Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices in Joo Chiat, it felt like our prayers were finally answered. 

This quaint little eatery adorns pink-and-white stripes and retro decor—think Archie magazines from the 90s and an old-school telephone propped on a table. As a big fan of Archie comics growing up, I practically squealed when I came across a collection of them tucked into one corner. 

The diner specialises in Frozen Custard ($6.50), which comes in two flavours, Vanilla and Chocolate. Aside from that, they also do American diner-inspired classics such as Philly Cheesesteak ($16), Cheeseburger ($15), and Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($14). 

We ordered the cheeseburger, consisting of lettuce, tomato, sliced cheese, a beef patty, and mayonnaise, sandwiched between buttered burger buns. The owner mentioned that each burger patty is made to order, so you can expect a freshly grilled, juicy patty each time.

We also enjoyed the Philly Cheesesteak, packed with shredded beef brisket, making for a substantial sandwich. Though the amount of beef was generous, it was a little on the dry side, which had me hoping that they added some sauce to go along with it.

Frozen custard, not to be confused with regular ice cream, has an extra-thick and heavy consistency. 

We even tried the old trick of tipping the cup of custard over our heads, and it did not budge, staying completely put in our cups. 

We opted to get the Cyclone ($11.50), which allowed us to get two toppings blended into the custard. Toppings included Oreo, Biscoff, pretzels, Twix, peanut butter cups, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, and strawberry syrup. 

The team painstakingly blends your chosen toppings into the dessert by hand, instead of using a machine. Flavour-wise, the custard boasts a strong eggy flavour and is less milky than your typical ice cream. I also noticed that it was not as sweet. 

The hand-whipped Cyclone was a lot thicker than the consistency of a McFlurry, which is blended by an automated machine. Perhaps less air is incorporated in this dessert, as compared to something that’s whipped by a machine.

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For more eats in Joo Chiat, check out Dough It Yourself, a pizza joint that lets you DIY your pizza with whatever toppings you want from scratch. In related news, check out our Museum of Ice Cream feature for unlimited ice cream in flavours such as chendol and black sesame!

Address: 198 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427469
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 12pm to 2:30pm, 3:30pm to 9pm, Fri-Sun 12pm to 2:30pm, 3:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 8127 8085
Website
Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices is not a halal-certified eatery, but does not serve pork or lard. 

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Photos taken by Nabila Malek.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg