Fresh from her success in ground-breaking comedy Crazy Rich Asians, Nick Walton talks with Victoria Loke about dream destinations, whirlwind schedules, unusual dining and new roles for Asian actors in Hollywood.
You grew up in Singapore; what did you miss most when you left home?
Singapore is a multicultural cosmopolitan city and the early exposure to so many different cultures and traditions cultivated a sense of openness and fluidity that is a big part of who I am today. I travelled a lot as a child too, because of my parents’ work, and I suppose it’s because of this that I always feel at home wherever I go.
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What kind of traveller would you describe yourself as?
I would like to consider myself a respectful traveller. I believe that is the highest virtue when it comes to travelling. Having someone want to share their culture with you is such a fortunate thing, and to approach it with a sense of gratitude rather than entitlement is so important.
Crazy Rich Asians is a great laugh but it’s also a milestone for Asian actors; what does the film represent to you?
Crazy Rich Asians is my first studio feature, and that in itself is such a huge milestone for me personally. On top of that, as an Asian actor who has experienced the whitewashing of roles in Hollywood, where actors of colour are sidelined as token characters or two-dimensional caricatures, I am so hopeful that this movie shifts the needle and opens up more possibilities for Asian actors to receive better roles and better representation. To me, Crazy Rich Asians represents hope in so many ways.
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You studied at Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University; what’s a hidden gem from the city that never sleeps?
In New York I love hanging out in Chinatown, which has so much history and personality and heart; it is the oldest standing neighbourhood in Manhattan. I definitely recommend spending a day at The Cloisters up in Washington Heights too, which is truly a hidden gem of the city.
Crazy Rich Asians tells a rather satirical side to Singapore. What are your recommendations for travellers looking to discover the Lion City beyond the glamour?
My recommendation would be to discover Singapore’s rich history as a port city from even before the days of British colonisation. Our indigenous Malay population was part of a thriving seafaring community throughout the region and beyond, and the Malay Heritage Centre in Kampong Glam is a great place to start learning about the real Lion City — they even offer heritage trails in the area.
It’s happy hour in your favorite city – where are we headed and what are we drinking?
I cannot even begin to shortlist the cities I would consider my favourite, so I will just go with Tokyo since I’m here right now. We are headed to The Bar at the Ritz Carlton Tokyo in Roppongi Hills, which has the most beautiful views of Tokyo, especially at sunset, and I’m drinking a French 75.
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What destinations are on your bucket list?
I was in Jaipur last year, so I would love to explore the rest of Rajasthan and to spend more time in Delhi as well. Morocco has been on my bucket list for the longest time, along with Moscow and Laos. I really want to travel around Latin America too.
Singaporeans are acclaimed foodies – tell us about your most memorable meal while travelling.
What immediately comes to mind is a meal I had in Brussels on recommendation from my host at the time, who is an avant-garde chef. It was a restaurant that exclusively served dishes made with offal, and it was the first time I remember eating an animal brain. Everything was absolutely delicious, so be sure to check out Viva M’Boma if you’re ever in Brussels!
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The original version of this story ran in The Edition by Astleys of London
