Chinatown’s Best-Kept Café Secret with Ice Cream and Lounge Vibes

#summervacay Tucked under Adler Hostel along South Bridge Road, Madame Ooze is a charming little café-lounge that doubles as a common area for hostel guests. Right in the heart of Chinatown and a short walk from Maxwell Food Centre, it’s one of those unexpected finds that feel far from the city despite being in the middle of it. The space itself feels more like a laidback tropical lounge than a typical café. Think mismatched armchairs, rattan furniture, hanging plants, and sunny pops of colour—very bohemian, very relaxed. It almost gives off Bali villa vibes, which makes sense considering it also functions as the communal hangout for a luxury boutique hostel. What most people come for, though, is the dessert. Madame Ooze is known for its Crocream—a warm, flaky croissant sliced open and stuffed with scoops of artisanal ice cream. Flavours rotate regularly but include fun options like Kyoto Hojicha, Sicilian Pistachio, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Toasted Marshmallow. You can top it off with house-made sauces like mandarin dark chocolate fudge or salted butterscotch. Beyond the Crocream, you’ll find fresh pastries like cinnamon buns and buttery croissants. Ice cream is also available on its own, by the scoop. Drinks here are just as playful—there’s everything from fruit tonics like peach-lavender to ice cream floats and espresso drinks with creative local twists, such as mandarin orange syrup. It’s the kind of place you could linger for hours—some guests read, others work, and some just relax on the low couches. While the location is central, Madame Ooze offers a peaceful little retreat away from the fast pace of Chinatown. Whether you're dropping in for a sweet treat or staying upstairs as a hostel guest, this spot invites you to slow down a little.