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Ibson’s Brew Box at City of Dreams
View(s):- Dilan de Silva writes on why Ibson’s is such a personal journey
Ibson’s Brew Box: Another addition to a cafe built with memory and love. Pix by Indika Handuwala
We just opened our newest spot — Ibson’s Brew Box at The Shoppes at City of Dreams!
Back in July 2022, I opened the first Ibson’s Choice Café in Nawala with my family. It started as something deeply personal — a tribute to my late dad, Rex de Silva, who spent decades as a veteran editor at the Sun & Weekend newspapers. He had this iconic pocket cartoon called Ibson’s Choice, and we carried that forward as our logo.
It wasn’t just a café — it was a place we built with memory, meaning and a lot of love.
What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would become something bigger. People kept coming back — not just for the coffee, but for the vibe. Laughter, good conversations, regulars who turned into friends. That little corner in Nawala has a charm that still hits different every time I walk in.
Then came Colombo 02, which quickly became a go-to for locals, travellers and tourists.
And now we’re at The Shoppes at City of Dreams, with Ibson’s Brew Box.
None of this happens without the team. Young, creative, and genuinely passionate — they show up every day and make Ibson’s what it is. They’re not just making coffee and sandwiches, they’re building something together, and it shows in every interaction with every guest. Honestly, they’re one of the best parts of this whole thing.
Dilan de Silva and family: From left, Devin, Sam, Dilan and Gavin
Three locations down — next up is down South, and we’re dreaming about a mobile café or a garden spot. Ibson’s on the road, under the trees, with the breeze — yeah, that feels right.
I run software companies in the US, India, and Sri Lanka — but this is the one my dad lives on in. Every cup of coffee we pour carries a bit of his story. Come in, sit down, grab a brew and a sandwich. You’ll feel it.
See also: www.ibsonschoicecafe.com
