Cover Iroshini Chua shares her favourite places to visit in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Photo: Courtesy of Iroshini Chua)
Iroshini Chua shares her favourite places to visit in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Photo: Courtesy of Iroshini Chua)
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Here’s where you’ll find Iroshini Chua, co-founder of Dr Kevin Chua Medical Aesthetics, when she returns home to Colombo
While the co-founder of Dr Kevin Chua Medical Aesthetics Iroshini Chua calls Singapore home, she has a soft spot for Colombo, Sri Lanka. After all, the family physician and medical doctor was born in the vibrant Sri Lankan capital and it’s where some of her closest family and friends reside.
Although Chua currently resides in Singapore, she visits her hometown every so often to catch up with her loved ones. Below, she shares some of her favourite places to eat and shop in Colombo, as well as her favourite memories in the city.
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Above Colombo, Sri Lanka, skyline (Photo: Unsplash)
Colombo, Sri Lanka, skyline (Photo: Unsplash)
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The best thing about Colombo is...
the quintessentially Sri Lankan hospitality. Nothing is too much trouble and “no” is simply not in the vocabulary. There’s a Sri Lankan tradition of care and empathy, and the Sri Lankans take pride in inviting you into their homes and piling food on your plate, serving after serving.
I find myself in Colombo...
two to three times a year to visit family and friends as well as to attend various celebrations and gatherings.
The best place for a meal is...
the Ministry of Crab. Located in a former Dutch hospital, it has been a firm favourite of mine well before it was recognised as one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants. Another is Nuga Gama, a restaurant in a traditional village setting where diners can watch the preparation of traditional recipes and where staff members wear historic clothing. It’s a great way to be immersed in a culinary culture full of authentic Sri Lankan flavours, spices and aromas.
Above Chua at a friend’s wedding in Sri Lanka
Chua at a friend’s wedding in Sri Lanka
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First‐time visitors to Colombo need to...
have afternoon tea in Galle Face Hotel—which is listed in Patricia Schultz’s travel book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Founded in 1864, it has received multiple accolades, including Best Heritage Hotel at Sri Lanka’s Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism.
The must‐see attractions include...
Independence Square, Gangaramaya temple, Pettah Market, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Colombo National Museum, St Anthony’s Shrine, Colombo Fort Railway Station and Beira Lake.
The best time to visit is...
between November and April for the southwest of Colombo, and between February and September for the northeast. While the city is a year‐round destination, you’ll avoid the monsoon seasons when travelling during these times.
Above Chua with
her daughter Aiyana
Chua with her daughter Aiyana
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The best way to spend a lazy day in Colombo is...
on Mount Lavinia Hotel’s private beach. Think freshly caught seafood and a soothing ocean breeze served in equal measure as you dine with your toes buried in the soft sand on the beach.
One of my favourite memories of Colombo is...
the cheerful island vibe. People are always ready for a good time and to enjoy one another’s company. My favourite memories are always of the vibrant parties where everyone takes their Baila dance moves to the dance floor or the beach.
Make a pit stop at...
Paradise Road for handicrafts; Park Street Mews for drinks; Chocoholics and Kandos for a chocolate fix; and The Kingsbury Hotel Colombo for brunch.
A travel tip is...
to hire a driver. It’s the best option to get around and saves you a lot of hassle. While tuk‐tuks are fun and appear easy, they do get into accidents more easily.
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
