Cookery Courses Archives

Great knife skills in the kitchen. Gourmet Galle 2026

Gourmet Galle 2026: A Feast for the Senses

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes / By Mikeez

Gourmet Galle 2026: Culinary Stars Shine in Sri Lanka’s South

Gourmet Galle returns from 26 January to 1 February 2026.

This week-long celebration follows the Galle Literary Festival.

It takes place along Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coastline.

Expect unforgettable dinners, masterclasses, and cultural food experiences.

Angela Hartnett Headlines the Festival

Angela Hartnett, one of Britain’s most respected chefs, joins Gourmet Galle 2026.

She is a Michelin-starred chef and a protégée of Gordon Ramsay.

Angela is known for her Italian-inspired cuisine and restaurants like Murano and Café Murano.

Her dishes reflect simplicity, elegance, and deep culinary heritage.

Meet the Culinary Stars at Gourmet Galle 2026

Gourmet Galle features a stellar lineup of international chefs.

Each brings a unique flavour and story to the table.

Atul Kochhar

Atul Kochhar is an Indian-born, British-based chef and TV personality.

He was one of the first Indian chefs to earn a Michelin star in London.

Atul’s restaurants include Kanishka, Masalchi, and Indian Essence.

He is celebrated for modernising Indian cuisine with global flair.

Darshan Munidasa

Darshan Munidasa is Sri Lanka’s most renowned chef-restaurateur.

He founded Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab, both ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Darshan blends Japanese precision with Sri Lankan ingredients.

He is a self-taught chef and host of “Culinary Journeys with Dharshan”.

Mark Hix

Mark Hix is an English chef, restaurateur, and food writer.

He is known for championing British cuisine and foraged ingredients.

Mark has authored 12 cookbooks and runs The Oyster & Fish House in Dorset.

His cooking celebrates simplicity and seasonal produce.

Izzeldin Abdul Aziz Bukhari

Izzeldin Bukhari is a Palestinian chef and founder of SacredCuisine.

His cooking is rooted in Sufi traditions and mindfulness.

He promotes vegetarian Palestinian cuisine through supper clubs and food tours.

Izzeldin views cooking as a form of meditation and cultural connection.

Signature Dinners and Masterclasses

Gourmet Galle offers exclusive dinners at venues like Kahanda Kanda and Cape Weligama.

Guests enjoy curated menus and intimate culinary experiences.

Live masterclasses allow you to learn directly from the chefs.

These sessions explore techniques, ingredients, and personal stories.

Stay at GlenMyu Boutique Villa during your holiday in Sri Lanka

GlenMyu Boutique Villa is the perfect base for your Gourmet Galle adventure.

Located in the peaceful hills of Uva Province, just over three and a half hours by car, it offers a relaxing retreat.

The temperatures in the hill country can be quite a relief to those around the island.

As there are only three guests bedrooms on the five acre estate, there is plenty of space to relax.

Before or after the festival, unwind in nature and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals.

Writers and creatives find inspiration in its tranquil surroundings.

Most guests that stay wish they had stayed longer or plan to come back again.

Try our food!

Ru and the team at GlenMyu prepare dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Some of the produce is grown on the organic five acre estate. During a garden tour you may be asked to pick some of the ingredients for your meal that evening.

The menu is mainly vegetarian or plant based. There are some fish and chicken dishes on the menu.

Reviews from guests say everything about the experience of dining at GlenMyu.

Find out what is on the menu by clicking the link.

Our Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration

Ru’s mother conducts a relaxed Sri Lankan cookery demonstration when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

It’s an informative and enjoyable experience.

See what we grow in the garden at GlenMyu

Ru is happy to provide a garden tour for our guests.

You will see the array of fruits, vegetables and spices that are grown on the five acre estate.

Support Local Communities and Wildlife

Your stay helps support local jobs and living standards.

The five-acre estate promotes biodiversity and sustainable living.

We care for rescue animals including dogs, chickens, ducks, a cow, a calf, and a bull.

Book Direct with GlenMyu for the Best Rates

Contact us via WhatsApp at 00 94 752 999 272 for the best rates.

Booking direct ensures personalised service and exclusive offers.

Combine Food and Tranquillity

Gourmet Galle is a highlight of Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar.

Pair it with a stay at GlenMyu Boutique Villa for a truly memorable holiday.

Enjoy the flavours of the coast and the peace of the hills.

Stay at GlenMyu to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.

Gourmet Galle 2026: A Feast for the Senses Read More »

Discover Plant-Based Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu / By Mikeez

Plant-Based Sri Lanka: A Journey of Taste and Sustainability

Sri Lanka is a dream destination for plant-based travellers.

Its cuisine is rich in vegetables, spices, and coconut-based flavours.

At GlenMyu, we celebrate this tradition with a fully plant-based menu.

Our meals are crafted with care, using fresh produce grown on-site.

We avoid refined sugar and dairy, using natural alternatives like Kithul treacle.

Guests enjoy dishes inspired by local recipes and international favourites.

GlenMyu: A Vegan Haven in the Hills

Nestled in the Central Hills, GlenMyu offers a peaceful escape.

Our five-acre estate is home to lush gardens, rescue animals, and stunning views.

We welcome guests who value sustainability, compassion, and great food.

Our plant-based menu caters to vegans and those curious about a healthier lifestyle.

Garden Tours: See Where Your Food Comes From

We invite guests to explore our gardens during their stay.

Our garden tour showcases the fruits, vegetables, and herbs we grow.

You’ll see how we cultivate food with care and respect for nature.

It’s a chance to connect with the land and learn about sustainable farming.

Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration: Learn to Cook Plant-Based

Order our Sri Lankan sharing platter and enjoy a cookery demonstration.

Our chef shows you how to prepare delicious plant-based Sri Lankan dishes.

You’ll learn about spices, techniques, and traditional cooking methods.

It’s an educational and tasty experience for all food lovers.

Why Choose a Plant-Based Holiday in Sri Lanka

Plant-based travel supports your health and the planet.

It reduces your carbon footprint and supports ethical food choices.

At GlenMyu, your stay also helps rescue animals and local communities.

We care for dogs, chickens, ducks, a cow, and a bull.

Your visit supports their wellbeing and encourages biodiversity.

Book Direct with GlenMyu for the Best Experience

Booking direct ensures personalised service and exclusive offers.

Experience plant-based Sri Lanka at GlenMyu.

Enjoy nourishing food, peaceful surroundings, and meaningful connections.

Stay at GlenMyu to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Discover Plant-Based Sri Lanka Read More »

Sri Lankan Sharing platter - Aubergine Curry

That Aubergine Thing

Cookery Courses, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate / By Mikeez

"The Aubergine Thing"

I was sitting on the balcony at GlenMyu Estate listening to a Pocdast with Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis and I heard the phrase “The Aubergine Thing”.

The discussion was when Romesh visited Hoppers London.
The Aubergine Thing resonated with me as it is one of my favourite dishes for our Sri Lankan sharing platter at GlenMyu Estate.

I don’t know what my mother in law does when she prepares our Aubergine Curry, but I understand the phrase “That Aubergine Thing”.

Listen to the podcast episode

You can listen to the episode of the Wolf and Owl in which they mention ‘that aubergine thing’ by clicking on the following link.

That Aubergine dish in our Sri Lankan sharing platter

We serve seven or so dishes with our Sri Lankan sharing platter at GlenMyu Estate.

I have two favourites.

One is Kollu which is a local dish to the Sri Lankan hill country. My mother-ini-law had not come across this dish after fifty years of cooking Sri Lankan cuisine.
I love the fact that it is a gram that is fed to horses for the concentrate protein, but we make it into a hummus-like dish that has an almost gentle satay flavour.

Amazing aubergine curry

My other favourite dish is my mother-in-laws Aubergine Curry.

Served with flatbread, it is like having tapas, another of my favourite way of eating.

I must try Hoppers Aubergine Thing the nest time in London!

If I was to bet on a winner I would be putting my money on Sri Lanka!

Our cookery demonstration with Amma

We regularly host a Sri Lankan cookery demonstration for our guests when they order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Find out more by clicking on the following links.

A relaxing and informal evening

Our guests really enjoy the cookery demonstration and some try the dishes at home.

Here is a video which will give you a taste of what you are likely to experience.

Not just Sri Lankan food

Our food menus tend to have a Sri Lankan twist of flavour to them.

You can see our food menus by clicking on the following link.

Contact us directly for our best rates

Please press the WhatsApp button on our website to enquire about direct prices and availability.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

That Aubergine Thing Read More »

Sri Lankan Sharing Platter – GlenMyu Estate’s Taste of Tradition

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

Our Sri Lankan Sharing Platter

🏡 GlenMyu Estate Sri Lankan Sharing Platter: A Taste of Tradition

At GlenMyu Estate, we serve a Sri Lankan sharing platter that delights every palate.

It’s a plant-based feast filled with vibrant flavours.

Guests enjoy an array of authentic dishes passed down through generations.

Here are the recipes so you can recreate them and jot down your notes.

🌸 Banana Flower Curry

Ingredients:
– 1 banana flower
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1 onion
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1 tsp turmeric
– 1 tsp chilli powder
– 200ml coconut milk

Timing: 30 minutes

Method:

1. Clean and chop banana flower finely.
2. Sauté mustard seeds, onion and garlic.
3. Add spices and banana flower.
4. Stir in coconut milk.
5. Simmer until tender and aromatic.

🍛 Dhal Curry

Ingredients:
– 200g red lentils
– 1 onion
– 1 garlic clove
– 1 tsp turmeric
– 1 green chilli
– 200ml coconut milk

Timing: 25 minutes

Method:
1. Wash lentils and boil with turmeric.
2. Sauté onion, garlic and chilli.
3. Add lentils and coconut milk.
4. Simmer until creamy.

🔥 Devilled Potatoes - an essential part of our sharing platter

Ingredients:
– 4 boiled potatoes
– 1 onion
– 2 tsp chilli flakes
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp tomato ketchup

Timing: 20 minutes

Method:
1. Cut potatoes into cubes.
2. Sauté onion until golden.
3. Add chilli, soy sauce and ketchup.
4. Toss in potatoes.
5. Cook until coated and spicy.

🫘 Kollu (Horse Gram Curry) a sharing platter favourite

Ingredients:
– 200g kollu (horse gram)
– 1 onion
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 200ml water

Timing: 45 minutes

Method:
1. Soak and boil kollu until soft.
2. Sauté onion, garlic and curry powder.
3. Add kollu and water.
4. Simmer until thick.

🥬 Mallum - healthy greens in our sharing platter

Ingredients:
– 100g grated coconut
– 1 bunch greens (gotukola or spinach)
– 1 onion
– 1 green chilli
– 1 tsp salt

Timing: 10 minutes

Method:
1. Chop greens finely.
2. Mix with coconut, onion and chilli.
3. Season and serve fresh.

About our Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration

When our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter guests are invited to participate in our cookery demonstration.

The experience is informal and informative.

It is hosted by Ru and her mother Summi.

Summi has over fifty years experience cooking in a Sri Lankan kitchen.

If the weather is good we hold the cookery demonstration at our traditional outside kitchen.

🍆 Aubergine Curry

Ingredients:
– 2 aubergines
– 1 onion
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1 tsp turmeric
– 200ml coconut milk

Timing: 30 minutes

Method:
1. Cut aubergines into strips.
2. Sauté mustard seeds, onion and garlic.
3. Add turmeric and aubergines.
4. Pour in coconut milk.
5. Simmer until soft.

Menus with a Sri Lankan influence

At GlenMyu Estate we aim to provide the most flavoursome dishes made with local seasonal ingredients.

You will see from our menus that we also offer western dishes with a Sri Lankan influence.

As Ru lived in the UK for several years, she knows to temper the dishes for western patellas.

We do grow lots of fruits, vegetables and spices on the five acre estate at GlenMyu.

Ru happily provides a complimentary garden tour to our guests.

You may well pick some of the ingredients on the tour that will be used in your meals served later that day.

🌿 Spinach and Dhal Curry - our sharing platter

Ingredients:
– 1 bunch spinach
– 150g red lentils
– 1 onion
– 1 tsp turmeric
– 200ml coconut milk

Timing: 30 minutes

Method:
1. Boil lentils with turmeric.
2. Add chopped spinach.
3. Sauté onion and combine with lentils.
4. Pour in coconut milk.
5. Simmer until creamy.

🍈 Jackfruit Curry

Ingredients:
– 300g young jackfruit
– 1 onion
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 200ml coconut milk

Timing: 40 minutes

Method:
1. Cut jackfruit into chunks.
2. Sauté onion and garlic.
3. Add curry powder and jackfruit.
4. Stir in coconut milk.
5. Cook until tender.

Book your stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our sharing platter

For our best rates, please contact GlenMyu Estate directly by WhatsApp.

You will need to stay two nights or more for the Sri Lankan cookery demonstration as it starts around 4:30 p.m.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Sri Lankan Sharing Platter – GlenMyu Estate’s Taste of Tradition Read More »

Growing Organic Lemons

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Growing Organic Lemons at GlenMyu Estate in Sri Lanka

🍋 Delicious Lemons grown in the gardens at GlenMyu Estate in Sri Lanka

Lemons flourish on the five-acre gardens of GlenMyu Estate in beautiful Uva Province, Sri Lanka.

🌿 Our garden enjoys a tropical climate, perfect for growing vibrant fruits, spices, and vegetables.

We grow mandarin oranges, mangoes, bananas, papayas, and passion fruit in the rich mountain soil.

At GlenMyu Estate we grow as much as we can to use as ingredients in the food we make.

However, we also support good producers locally and buy foodstuffs from them. As we are organic we cannot produce all we need for ourselves and our guests.

Supporting local traders is good for the local economy and also neighbourly.

The Joy of Growing Your Own

It’s amazing how satisfying seeing something that you have planted grow.

Something that is even better is when the plant bears fruit.

As we do not use chemical or pesticides at GlenMyu Estate, we know that the produce we grow has developed into what nature intended.

Not just Lemons

Spices like vanilla, cardamom, ginger, chillies, and pepper add fragrance and flavour to the estate.

We have Jackfruit, Mango, and Avocado Trees.

Sri Lankan Cinnamon and Cloves are planted in different parts of the estate.

We don’t get large crops but when the produce is ready to pick it is worth eating seasonally as they taste their best.

Discover what we grow at Ru's spice garden tour

Our guests at GlenMyu Estate enjoy the free garden tour that Ru delivers for those that are interested.

It’s a voyage of discovery for many seeing where their food comes from and the effort it takes.

We are lucky living in this part of Sri Lanka as we are able to grow a variety of produce.

As you accompany Ru, you may well pick some items that will be used as ingredients in your evening meal,

Juicy, aromatic, and full of zest.

Lemons thrive here naturally and produce fruit that is juicy, aromatic, and full of zest.

Our guests love the freshness of lemon used in our homemade dishes and to make lemon juice or lemonade.

For that special drink

A Gin and Tonic becomes extra special with a slice of garden-picked lemon on top.

You should taste our homemade Lemon Juice or Lemonade when it is available.

Each lemon is grown organically with care, right in our verdant gardens.

Homegrown is best

🌱 Using homegrown produce in cooking creates a meaningful and memorable experience.

The satisfaction of harvesting your own fruits and spices is truly unbeatable.

Come taste nature’s best at GlenMyu Estate—where gardening meets gastronomy.

Explore GlenMyu Estate's gardens and the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Growing Organic Lemons Read More »

Ru' Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers with a twist.

Amazing Sri Lankan Hoppers

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes / By Mikeez

The Magic of Sri Lankan Hoppers

🌿 Discover the Magic of Sri Lankan Hoppers — With a Gourmet Twist at GlenMyu Estate

If you’re looking for an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast that’s healthy, flavourful, and unforgettable, look no further than the beloved hopper.

At GlenMyu Estate boutique villa, we’ve reimagined this traditional dish by adding a gourmet twist that delights every guest who walks through our doors.

What Are Hoppers?

🥥 What Are Sri Lankan Hoppers?

Sri Lankan hoppers (known locally as appa) are bowl-shaped, crispy-edged pancakes made from a fermented rice flour and coconut milk batter.

Cooked in a small, curved pan, they strike the perfect balance between chewy centers and golden, crispy edges.

Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Diets

🌱 A Perfect Fit for Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Diets

One of the reasons hoppers have stood the test of time is their versatility.

Made primarily from rice flour and coconut milk, they are naturally gluten-free and ideal for those on a gluten free diet.

We accommodate vegan guests by swapping out the traditional egg with sautéed mushrooms, keeping both the taste and texture delightfully satisfying.

The GlenMyu Twist

🍳 The GlenMyu Twist: Fusion Meets Tradition

We take pride in elevating the humble hopper with rich, flavourful toppings:
– Seeni sambol – a sweet and spicy onion relish full of caramelized goodness
– Fried curry leaves – for a fragrant crunch
– A dash of salt and pepper – to bring out the natural flavors
– Either a Sri Lankan curry sauce or a velvety Hollandaise sauce – creating a fusion that surprises and delights

This unique combo adds depth and indulgence to a classic favourite, turning breakfast into an experience.

A Culinary Encounter

👨‍🍳 Hopper-Making: A Culinary Encounter

Guests often find themselves captivated by the process of making hoppers.

Many wander into our kitchen to watch the technique behind the perfect flip and the golden edge.

Inspired by the simplicity and charm of hopper-making, they frequently leave Sri Lanka with a hopper pan in hand, excited to recreate the magic back home.

Our Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

Discover more about Sri Lankan cooking when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru and her mother host an entertaining and informative cookery demonstration as they prepare several vegetarian dishes that make up the platter.

You may be asked into the kitchen to help out with preparing the dishes if you are up for the challenge!

A Taste Sri Lanka

🏡 Taste Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or a curious foodie, GlenMyu Estate’s take on hoppers offers something truly special.

It’s more than just breakfast—it’s a memory in the making, blending local tradition with modern flavor.

Book your stay at GlenMyu Estate and awaken each morning to a culinary adventure rooted in Sri Lankan culture and personalized to your taste.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Amazing Sri Lankan Hoppers Read More »

GlenMyu’s Sri Lankan Sharing Platter

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Sri Lankan Sharing Platter at GlenMyu Estat

🌿 Sri Lankan Sharing Platter at GlenMyu Estate: A Culinary Celebration

Our Sri Lankan Sharing Platter – a guest favourite!

At GlenMyu Estate in Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, dining becomes an immersive experience.

One of the highlights for guests seeking authentic local flavour is the Sri Lankan Sharing Platter—a vibrant array of hand-prepared dishes designed to please both adventurous eaters and those with Western palettes.

More?

💬 But there’s more: Guests who order the platter are warmly invited to a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration hosted by Ru and her mother.

Informative, entertaining, and heartwarming, the session offers a rare glimpse into traditional techniques, family recipes, and seasonal cooking.

What’s on the Sharing Platter?

🍛 What’s on the Sharing Platter? A July 2025 Culinary Showcase

The selection varies depending on what fresh, local ingredients are available for our Sri Lankan Sharing Platter.

For our guests in early July 2025, here’s what we served—and what makes each dish so special:

🌰 Jackfruit Curry
Young jackfruit is simmered until tender, absorbing a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Its meaty texture makes it a popular vegan substitute, rich in fiber and satisfying on its own.

🌿 Spinach and Dhal Curry
This wholesome combination features local spinach and red lentils, gently spiced and cooked in coconut cream. It’s protein-rich, mellow, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially for those seeking a gentle introduction to Sri Lankan spices.

Healthy leaves

🥬 Mallum
A refreshing stir-fry of shredded greens, coconut, and lime juice, mallum adds brightness to the platter. This dish showcases the Sri Lankan philosophy of balancing flavour, texture, and nutrition.

🔥 Devilled Potatoes
A nod to fusion cuisine, these spiced and stir-fried potatoes are coated in with aromatic spices. Not overly spicy, they’re designed to appeal to Western tastes while still packing bold flavour.

🍆 Aubergine Curry
Deep-fried eggplant slices are simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet curry sauce—thanks to the magic of tamarind and a sprinkle of sugar.

It’s silky, smoky, and utterly addictive.

This dish is one of my favourites in the Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Sri Lankan Sharing Platter - the power of protein

🫘 Kollu (Horse Gram)
Kollu is a traditional legume known for its digestive properties. Cooked with garlic, pepper, and a touch of tamarind, it delivers a rustic depth and satisfying crunch.

🌸 Banana Flower Curry
Delicate layers of banana blossom are finely chopped and cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut milk. It’s earthy, subtly nutty, and packed with nutrients like iron and antioxidants.

Designed for Western Palettes

🍽️ Designed for Western Palettes, Made with Local Love

The curries are crafted to suit Western palates—flavourful without overwhelming heat or salt. Each dish is served with your choice of fluffy rice or handmade flatbread, perfect for scooping up sauces and enjoying the platter communally.

Why GlenMyu Estate?

📍 Why GlenMyu Estate?

GlenMyu Estate offers guests more than just a stay—it’s an invitation to connect with the soul of Sri Lanka. From farm-to-table experiences to hands-on cooking demos with local experts, the Sri Lankan Sharing Platter is a delicious gateway to culture and community.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious to try something new, this one-of-a-kind culinary experience is not to be missed.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

GlenMyu’s Sri Lankan Sharing Platter Read More »

Our special Seafood Kottu at GlenMyu Estate

Seafood or Mushroom Kottu

Cookery Courses, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Our Seafood Kottu and our Mushroom Kottu at GlenMyu Estate

🍲 A Flavourful Fusion: Our Seafood Kottu and our Mushroom Kottu at GlenMyu Estate

At GlenMyu Estate boutique villa, our guests don’t just dine—they embark on a culinary journey.

Among the favourites on our menu are two unforgettable interpretations of Sri Lanka’s beloved street food: Seafood Kottu and Mushroom Kottu.

GlenMyu's Seafood Kottu

🦐 Seafood Kottu: A Coastal Symphony on Your Plate

Bursting with the vibrant flavours of Sri Lankan spices, our Seafood Kottu features:
– Tender prawns, squid, and fresh catch of the day
– Finely chopped roti, seared on the griddle with a medley of vegetables
– Aromatic curry leaves, garlic, and chili for a rich, spicy finish

This dish captures the essence of coastal Sri Lanka, elevated with the finesse of boutique-style cooking.

GlenMyu's Mushroom Kottu

🍄 Mushroom Kottu: A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Perfect for vegan and vegetarian guests, our Mushroom Kottu is hearty and packed with umami:
– Locally sourced mushrooms, sautéed to perfection
– Crisped roti shreds tossed with onions, leeks, and Sri Lankan spices
– Optional vegan gravy or a side of coconut sambol to dial up the flavor

This dish is not only full of nutrition—it’s also completely dairy-free and ideal for those following a plant-based lifestyle.

Discover our food Menus

There is much more to choose from on our food menus at GlenMyu Estate.

We source local seasonal produce to make our dishes reflect the best of local Sri Lankan fresh ingredients.

When you arrive, have a chat with Ru and discuss what she recommends from the menu.

Don’t miss our Sri Lankan cookery demonstration hosted by Ru and her mother when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy great food in Sri Lanka

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Seafood or Mushroom Kottu Read More »

A place to spend you wedding anniversary in Sri Lanka

Genuine human-to-human contact

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Genuine human-to-human contact

Human-to-human contact – is it all lost?

In an era where artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we interact, work, and even relax, the value of genuine human-to-human contact stands out as more vital than ever.

While AI can assist, streamline, and even predict our needs, it cannot replicate the warmth of a smile, the comfort of shared laughter, or the connection that comes from a meaningful conversation.

These uniquely human touches are the threads that weave empathy, trust, and lasting memories

Why human-to-human contacts important in hospitality

This truth resonates deeply within the world of hospitality—an industry built on connection, care, and personal attention.

Guests may arrive at a destination for its luxury or scenery. But what they remember most—and what brings them back—is how they were made to feel.

That sense of being truly seen, heard, and welcomed can only come from real human interaction.

It’s the tone of voice when a host recalls a guest’s favorite drink, or the shared stories over breakfast that linger longer than the taste of the coffee itself.

Explaining the intricacies of the design and planting on our garden tour could only be done successfully by Ru. She designed and continues to manage the estate and therefore has an insight that AI could not replicate.

It's part of what we do

At GlenMyu Estate, a boutique villa nestled in nature with just three guest bedrooms, this philosophy isn’t merely a preference—it’s a way of life.

Our small scale invites a level of intimacy and personalization that large hotels simply can’t replicate.

Every guest becomes part of a slower rhythm, where their name is known, their needs are anticipated, and their experience feels genuinely curated—because it is.

How less impactful would our Sri Lankan cooking demonstration be without Ru and her mother?

Something that no algorithm can replicate

Here, the human connection isn’t just important; it’s the essence of what we offer.

Whether it’s a warm welcome from the host, spontaneous chats about the local area, or simply being present to share a sunset view, our guests experience more than just comfort—they experience belonging.

And no algorithm can replicate the heart behind that.

As technology continues to accelerate, the places that choose to stay human will stand out more boldly. GlenMyu Estate is proud to be one of them.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Genuine human-to-human contact Read More »

First-ever season of MasterChef Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

The first-ever season of MasterChef Sri Lanka

The first-ever season of MasterChef Sri Lanka is set to premiere in September 2025 on ITN

This will mark the 71st international adaptation of the globally acclaimed franchise.

first season of MasterChef Sri Lanka - Numbers, numbers, numbers

The show will feature 22 contestants from across the country, competing over 25 episodes

A grand prize of LKR 3 million, a luxury vehicle, and the prestigious title of Sri Lanka’s first MasterChef is the goal.

Who are the Judges for the first season of MasterChef Sri Lanka?

The judging panel includes culinary heavyweights like Peter Kuruvita, Savindri Perera, Rohan Fernandopulle, and Kapila Jayasinghe.

Each individual will bring a unique blend of local and international expertise.

At GlenMyu Estate, we have been using Peter Kuruvita’s book, Serendip: My Sri Lankan Kitchen, to support our Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations.

The first season of MasterChef Sri Lanka - More than just a new TV show

This launch is more than just a new TV show—it’s a cultural milestone.

As the producers put it, MasterChef Sri Lanka aims to showcase the island’s rich culinary heritage and regional diversity, giving home cooks a platform to shine on a global stage.

You can read more about the press launch in the following newspaper articles.

It’s a delicious moment for Sri Lanka’s food scene.

And if you’re planning a trip to the island, you might want to experience that culinary magic firsthand.

GlenMyu Estate in Uva Province is a boutique villa where guests have compared the dining to a Michelin-starred experience.

You could also join in the Sri Lankan Cookery demonstration which is hosted by the owner Ru and her mother.

As Summi has over fifty years experience in a Sri Lankan kitchen you will taste some delicious food after an entertaining time at the GlenMyu Estate kitchen

If you’re on holiday in Sri Lanka and want great food, booking a stay there might just be the cherry on top.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

First-ever season of MasterChef Sri Lanka Read More »

What can I do?

Cookery Courses, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

What can I do on holiday at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka?

Wondering what you can do on holiday at GlenMyu Estate?

GlenMyu Estate is a treasure trove of experiences that blend nature, relaxation, and culture—all wrapped in a year-round temperate climate.

Here are seven of the best activities you can enjoy no matter when you visit:

1. Explore the Estate’s 5 Acres of Nature

Wander through lush gardens.

Discover native flora, and spot birds and butterflies that call the estate home.

The peaceful setting is perfect for mindful walks or simply soaking in the mountain views.

2. Swim in the Natural Spring-Fed Pool

Unlike typical hotel pools, GlenMyu’s pool is fed by a natural spring, offering a refreshing dip surrounded by greenery.

Thanks to the estate’s mild climate, it’s comfortable to swim in every season.

You may even be joined by dog or two. Don’t worry, they don’t like water, so they won’t be joining you in the pool!

3. Enjoy Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstrations

Join Ruwanthi, the estate’s talented cook, for a hands-on culinary experience.

Learn to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes using fresh, homegrown ingredients

And then feast on your creations.

4. Hike the Pekoe Trail

GlenMyu is close to several stages of the new Pekoe Trail, a long-distance hiking route through Sri Lanka’s tea country.

Whether you’re up for a short stroll or a full-day trek, the trail offers stunning views and cultural encounters

5. Visit Nearby Attractions

The estate is a great base for exploring iconic sites like:

– Lipton’s Seat – panoramic views from a historic tea planter’s lookout

– Diyaluma Falls – Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall

– Adisham Monastery – a peaceful Benedictine retreat

– Horton Plains National Park – home to World’s End and unique wildlife

6. Unwind with Yoga or Meditation

The tranquil setting and cool breezes make GlenMyu ideal for personal wellness.

Bring your mat and find a quiet corner to stretch, breathe, and reconnect.

We do also have mats for guest to use during their stay.

You meditation will be accompanied by the sound of running water or birdsong from the birds that visit GlenMyu Estate.

7. Cozy Up Indoors

On misty days, curl up in one of the villa’s lounges with a book, a board game, or a cup of Ceylon tea.

The estate’s design invites relaxation, with open spaces and panoramic windows.

There is plenty of comfortable seating on the two floors of the building where you can relax.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a foodie, or someone seeking stillness, GlenMyu Estate offers a rhythm that matches your mood—any time of year.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

What can I do? Read More »

Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations

At GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations are more than just a meal—they’re a warm, interactive dive into the island’s culinary soul.

What to Expect

Guests are invited into the estate’s open kitchen, where Ruwanthi (affectionately known as Ru) and her mother, Summi, lead informal, hands-on sessions.

These demonstrations are free for guests who order the Sri Lankan sharing platter (minimum two people.

You’ll watch, learn, and even take notes as they prepare vibrant dishes using fresh, local ingredients—many grown right on the estate.

Dishes You Might Learn

The menu varies with the season and the chef’s inspiration, but you can expect to see how to make:

– Traditional curries like dhal (lentil), jackfruit, or pumpkin

– Coconut sambol and pol roti (coconut flatbread)

– Aromatic rice dishes and mango chutney

Ru brings a unique twist to the experience.

Hhaving lived in the UK for 15 years, she blends Western, Eastern, and fusion styles into her cooking, making the session both authentic and accessible

A relaxed Vibe

It’s relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter.

Guests often share stories, ask questions, and even snap photos or videos to recreate the dishes back home.

Summi, the estate’s Sri Lankan cuisine expert, loves seeing guests’ reactions and often shares family tips passed down through generations

A Lasting Memory

Many guests leave with more than just a full belly—they gain a deeper appreciation for Sri Lankan culture and cuisine.

Some even send photos of their home-cooked versions after returning from their trip!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations Read More »

Masterchef comes to Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Masterchef comes to Sri Lanka

At last Masterchef has finally come to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan cuisine is amazing and needs to be discovered by a wider audience.

We hope that Masterchef Sri Lanka is the driver that shows off the best of Sri Lankan food and more people will taste the delicious dishes that are made across the island.

At GlenMyu Estate, we are excited that this will provide an appetite to try Sri Lankan food.

Masterchef Sri Lanka - Read all about it

There was a lot of publicity for the launch of MasterChef Sri Lanka on the 26th of June 2025.

You can read articles from the Sunday Times and Daily Mirror about the event which took place at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

The reality show is scheduled to air on the 20th of September 2025.

It will feature 22 contestants who will compete over the course of 25 episodes.

Prize money of three million rupees, a luxury vehicle, and the honour of the first MasterChef Sri Lanka title are the reward for the winner.

Who are the judges on Masterchef Sri Lanka?

The judging panel includes the following:

Chef and television personality Peter Kuruvita

Former MasterChef Australia contestant Savindri Perera

Fine dining specialist Rohan Fernandopulle

Culinary trainer Kapila Jayasinghe.

At GlenMyu Estate we regularly have shown Peter Kurivitas’ book Serendib when carrying out our Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

What is Masterchef?

MasterChef is a reality show cooking competition which has been running for over 25 years.

It started in the UK in 1990 where contestants competed to be crowned Britain’s best amateur chef.

The show has been adapted in over 65 territories worldwide, and broadcast in over 200.

MasterChef is watched globally by over 300 million viewers.

There is an amateur and professional version of the TV series.

We champion Sri Lankan food

At GlenMyu Estate, we champion Sri Lankan food.

There are many places around the island that offer Western foods for those travellers that are a bit nervous about trying local dishes. We understand. With the Sri Lankan desire for food with high concentrations of chilli, pepper and salt, it can be a bit scary.

As Ruwanthi lived in the UK for many years before returning to Sri Lanka and opening GlenMyu Estate, she was used to tempering the spices down for a Western palette.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Masterchef comes to Sri Lanka Read More »

Anything is better outside

Birdwatching, Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Organic, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Traditional British Sunday Dinner / By Mikeez

Anything is better outside

Anything is better outside!

When Listening to a Tik Tok/Instagram video by A Mug of Life one of the interviewees (Val) said about drinking her cup of tea the “Anything is better outside”

This resonated with me as one of the things I most like about GlenMyu Estate is that we can spend so much of the year outside.

When we lived in London, the weather conditions drove us inside for much of the year.
Living in Sri Lanka in the Hill Country, our lives have changed for the better.

We can live a lot of the year enjoying the five acre estate. It was unexpected as we did think that it rained more here than it actually does.

At the pool

Surrounded by nature, the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is a magical place.

The refreshing water which is sourced from a spring on the property, is cool and makes you feel alive.

It is wonderful swimming surrounded by the greenery whilst listening to the birds.

You may even be joined by one of our rescue dogs while you relax and soak up the sun.

Enjoying nature on the five acre estate

When the five acre estate was purchased it has remained fallow for several years.

It took some more time before we moved to Sri Lankan to start work.

The aim was to create an oasis for people and animals. We have planted lots of different plants and trees to attract and feed the wildlife that visits the estate.

Working with the landscape and retaining its’ features has allowed natures beauty to shine through.

Cooking outside

The vegetables, fruits and spices that we grow at GlenMyu Estate are used as ingredients for what we cook for our guests.

Our menu consists of both Sri Lankan and Western fusion dishes. You can see what we offer by reading our menu.

Many of our guests enjoy the Sri Lankan cookery demonstration hosted by Ru and her mother.

It’s complimentary when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Dining Alfresco

If there is one thing that is better outside, it is eating a delicious meal surrounded by nature.

Dining alfresco when the snow is on the ground in Northern Europe is one of the great memories guests have at GlenMyu Estate.

Is there anything better than eating outside?

Seeing what we grow

Fortunately, the climate in the Sri Lankan hill country means that we can grow a variety of crops at GlenMyu Estate.

Much of the produce is used in the dishes that we serve to our guests. As we do not use any chemicals or pesticides at the estate, you know that you are eating good organic food.

Ru regularly offers a garden tour for guests that are interested. It’s and enjoyable experience out in the fresh air discovering what fruits, vegetables and spices we grow on the estate.

When you need to spend time inside

Living in the Sri Lankan Hill country is amazing as the weather can change often and quickly.

One of the benefits about staying at GlenMyu Estate is that there is plenty of space to relax inside when the weather encourages you in.

We have been surprised on how much better the weather is in the hills. The result is that we have been able to spend a lot more of the year outside.

Fresh air, space, nature ...it's good for you

The combination of fresh air, space and being closer to nature makes you feel good.

We have found that many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate are energised and invigorated when they leave for their next destination.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Anything is better outside Read More »

Facilities for Pekoe Trail Hikers

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Unique facilities for Pekoe Trail hikers.

We were asked recently what facilities we offer which are unique for Pekoe Trail hikers.

It is a good question.

What is the Pekoe Trail?

The Pekoe Trail is a new hiking route that takes you around Sri Lanka from Kandy and ends in Nuwara Eliya.

There are 22 stages in the 300 kilometre hike through the beautiful landscapes of the country.

It has already won awards, despite only being opened in 2023.

At GlenMyu Estate, we have had several guests hike stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail.

The stages end and start in Haputale which is a 25 minute Tuk Tuk ride from GlenMyu Estate.

Stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail

We are finding that more of our guests at GlenMyu Estate are hiking parts of the Pekoe Trail whilst they stay with us in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Most are finding that there are very few other hikers on the route. However, we can only see this becoming a more popular activity in the coming months.

Some guest like to walk the trail without a guide and follow a walking app such as All Trails of Wikiloc.

Other guests hire a guide that knows the trail and also can add valuable information about the flora and fauna that you will see on the way.

What we do differently

Food glorious food.

You will need some great tasting food after the exertions of your hike. Ru and the team at GlenMyu Estate have a good reputation for the food that they serve to our guests. It’s something worth looking forward to after you efforts.

Read our reviews about our food on the various review sites.

Our breakfast is quite substantial and sets you up for the day.

Swim and ease those muscles

Our swimming pool is unique and offers a different experience to many other pools around the island.

The swimming pool is fed from a natural spring and is cooler that other pools you will see in Sri Lanka. Swimming after a hike is a great way to soothe those muscles that you have worked hard on your hike.

Comfortable beds and an amazing view

We selected our beds to provide you with a comfortable nights sleep.

It is amazing to wake up the the view of the hills leading towards the south of the country.

We do not have air conditioning in our rooms as it is not required. The temperature during the day is normally between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. At night it reduced to 14 to 18 degrees celsius which is a great temperature to get a good nights sleep.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Facilities for Pekoe Trail Hikers Read More »

Inspiration to write at the swimming pool.

The Best Homestay in Sri Lanka?

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

The Best Homestay in Sri Lanka?

Is this the Best Homestay in Sri Lanka?

GlenMyu Estate is a bed and breakfast that offers a lot more.

Guests have regularly commented that they can’t believe that GlenMyu Estate is a homestay.

We try to make our guests feel that they are friends and are able to properly relax without the formality of a five star hotel.

What is a Homestay?

In Sri Lanka a homestay is defined by the Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority as follows;

“a house occupied by a family with guest rooms that are ready to accommodate and provide services to paying guests, where the guests and the host family interact with each other, immersing themselves in Sri Lankan culture and experiencing authentic Sri Lankan hospitality”.

There should be a minimum of one and a maximum of four rooms.

Although GlenMyu Estate is a B & B, it does also fit into the definition of a homestay.

A homestay in Sri Lanka with a difference.

Designed with a balance of luxury and comfort.

The house at GlenMyu Estate was only completed in 2021.

It is set in five acres and there are only three guest bedrooms. There is a feeling of luxury knowing that you don’t have to share the space with many other guests when you holiday in Sri Lanka.

The property has been designed so that there is a contemporary but natural feel.

Locally sourced wood is blended with cool titanium concrete floors.
Large windows look out over the stunning Sri Lankan landscape and appear to let nature in.

More than just a stay

We had Polish guests last year, and Greg, said in his review that GlenMyu Estate was more than just a stay, it was an experience.

You can read Greg’s Google review by clicking on the following link.

Please read our other reviews in Booking.com, Airbnb, and Tripadvisor.

The food - not a typical homestay in Sri Lanka

Normally in a homestay in Sri Lanka you would have typically rice and curry for most meals. They will be delicious as the dishes will be made from locally sourced ingredients and cooked by experienced cooks.

At GlenMyu Estate, we offer both traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, and also fusion dishes made with the best local ingredients that we can source.

Ruwanthi did a short Le Cordon Bleu course whilst she lived in London and is growing a reputation for her food in Sri Lanka.

Please click on our food menus to see what types of dishes we offer to our guests.

A Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration

One of the things that we do which you would often have the opportunity to see is a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration at a homestay in Sri Lanka.

We have found that with the successes of contestants Brin Paripathan and Sav Perera in UK Masterchef and Australian Masterchef, there has been a heightened interest in Sri Lankan food.

Our own ‘Masterchef’ is Ruwanthi’s mother, who has over fifty years of experience cooking delicious Sri Lankan dishes.

Getting an authentic taste of Sri Lankan food is a real benefit when staying at a homestay.

As Ruwanthi lived in the UK for many years before returning to Sri Lanka, she is able to temper the level of chilli to the Western palette.

A garden tour at a homestay in the Sri Lankan Hill country

We feel extremely fortunate to live in the area of this paradise island that we do.

The estate sits at an elevation of around 1,000 metres above sea level and the climate enables us to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and spices.

There are lots of organised spice garden tours around the country. It’s great seeing what is grown, but what we don’t like is the hard sell to buy some products as you leave.

Ruwanthi really enjoys delivering an informal garden tour which is complimentary for our guests. And, there is nothing to buy at the end of your walk!

The best homestay in Sri Lanka?

At GlenMyu Estate, we are not interested in titles and accolades.

All we want is for our guests to have the nest time on their holiday in Sri Lanka….and want to come back again.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

The Best Homestay in Sri Lanka? Read More »

The best bread in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

The Best Bread in Sri Lanka

Finding good bread in Sri Lanka is a challenge.

Although you ought to be tasting great local cuisine when you are on holiday in Sri Lanka, sometimes it is good to have something that reminds you of home.

We love bread at GlenMyu Estate and our guests love it too!

At GlenMyu Estate we really believe that the you are on holiday you should try the local cuisine.

With the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef in the UK and Australia, we expect that there will be an increase in tourists looking to experience Sri Lankan food.

Our Sri Lankan food is special

My mother in law orchestrates our Sri Lankan food demonstration in conjunction with her daughter Ru (my wife!).

The demonstration starts around 4 p.m so it’s good for guests that stay more than one night at GlenMyu Estate.

I love bread

We have a standing joke with my oldest friend Peter whose catchphrase when he says at GlenMyu Estate is “I love bread!.

This saying is a daily occurrence when we have breakfast and always is followed by laughter.

Bread is my nemesis. I know I should control how much I have, but when it’s good it becomes more of a challenge.

My wife would like me to control the amount of bread that I eat. I tell her that if she made even average bread, I might be able to do what she askes. However, the bread at GlenMyu Estate is the quality that demands to be eaten. So my waistline might not achieve the inches she would like.

I always say to guests that it is okay to indulge in something good when you on holiday as you can work it off when you get home.

Please have some sympathy for me who has to deal with the delicious offerings everyday!

French people in Colombo visit GlenMyu Estate because of our bread!

It’s quiet an accolade that we have French guests that live in the capital or the south coast that visit Glenmyu Estate because of our bread. It’s hard being away from home and not having baguettes on tap.

We are not saying that our bread can be compared to the boulangeries of France, but our French guests are very happy with what we serve.

There are places in Colombo who do great bread such as Baguette.

However, it’s hard to get great bread when you are away from Sri Lanka’s Metropolis.

Something sweet

Lots of our European guests like something sweet at breakfast.

Ru and the team regularly make sweet brioche type buns and chocolate babka rolls.

We also make our own jam at GlenMyu Estate. Typically we have Mulberry jam made from mulberries picked at the estate.

A ‘marmalade’ jam is made from either Pomelo or the oranges we grow.

Ginger and Passionfruit jam is also normally available.

A special breakfast will mean that you will probably skip lunch

Our breakfasts are quite substantial at GlenMyu Estate. It’s hard to resist having an extra slice of the freshly baked bread topped with our homemade jam.

We offer a fusion of Western and Asian tastes at breakfast with added twists by Ru.

A stay at GlenMyu is not all about bread!

In addition to the food, there are lots of other things to enjoy when staying at GlenMyu Estate.

A great nights sleep and waking up to the beautiful views from your bedroom window.

Exploring the 5 acre estate and meeting our cows, chickens, ducks and dogs.

A garden tour by Ru showing you what spices, fruits and vegetables we grow.

Ru’s mum showing you how we cook Sri Lankan dishes.

Relaxing at the swimming pool and reconnecting with nature.

There are also many wonderful places to explore which are within a short drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The best bread in Sri Lanka Read More »

Making people happy

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Making people happy

Making people happy – that’s what we aim to do!

This phrase really resonated with me whilst I was listening to a podcast.

Michel Roux Jr. was being interviewed by James O’Brien for the Full Disclosure Podcast.
Towards the end of the interview James ends saying that the impulse driving the hospitality industry is “making people happy”.

This impulse is ultimately what we aim to achieve at GlenMyu Estate.

We feel that we have an advantage

We feel that we have an advantage in our aims of making people happy.

For most of our guests GlenMyu Estate is not their first stop on their holiday in Sri Lanka. The estate is located just over five hours from the airport and therefore it is only the dedicated few that make GlenMyu Estate their first stop.

Fortunately for us, guests arrive already having been wowed by the country and the hospitality of its’ people. They come with smiles on their faces and rave about their experience so for on the island.

Fall in love with the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Cleary, we then have a job to do to continue the feeling that our guests have when they arrive.

We want to create an atmosphere where you feel relaxed and are visiting an old friend. In some hotels you can feel uncomfortable and not fully be able to let your hair down.

The atmosphere that we have tried to create is somewhere that you can truly relax and unwind. It was really important to us that there were comfortable chairs and sofas in the rooms and lounges. Space was also important, so, if you want to spend some time alone, you can.

We have not overdeveloped the land and only have three guest bedrooms. There is always space to swim in the pool and lots of places to explore on the five acre estate.

It makes us feel great when our guests connect and fall in love with GlenMyu Estate.

Full Disclosure with James O'Brien - one of my favourite podcasts.

Watch or listen to the Full Disclosure Podcast with James O’Brien and Michel Roux.

I tend to listen to lots of podcasts in the Sri Lankan Hill country and have waned myself off of television over the years I have lived here. There are many more podcasts that I subscribe to which gives me my fill in entertainment, news, sport and politics.

Food is an important part of what we do at GlenMyu Estate

Eating great food, prepared with love is a way of making people happy.

Ru and her team take pride in the dishes that they prepare for our guests. They are motivated when they hear the positive feedback from our guests.

We try to source as much as we can locally as it is fresh and tastes great. You will find that our menu is mainly plant based with some fish and chicken options.

If you read our reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com and Airbnb you will see how much our guests love the food at GlenMyu Estate.

Shared experiences with friends and family

We love to see the smiles on pour guests faces as the sit and eat together.

Hearing the shrieks of joy as families enjoy the swimming pool together puts smiles on our faces. We know that family bonding is important and that we have the facility to enable people to come together and create memories.

Sharing the love for Sri Lankan cooking

Sri Lankans are very proud of their country and also their cuisine.

Our guests really enjoy our complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration which is provided when they order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru’s mum, who has over 50 years experience in a Sri Lankan kitchen, shows our guests how the dishes are made.

The great thing is that you get to eat a delicious Sri Lankan meal after an entertaining hour or two.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

The colour of fresh local fruits and vegetables really add something special to the meals we cook. It is really important that we source the best ingredients that we can to cook for our guests.

Reconnecting with nature

Most of the world lives in cities and has pushed nature away.

Reconnecting with nature is good for the heart and the soul.

GlenMyu Estate has five acres for you to explore and enjoy. We have planted species on the estate to encourage wildlife to visit.

Listening to the birds as you swim in our Natural Spring Fed swimming pool is a beautiful experience.

Making a connection with our rescue dogs or watching the ducks wander around the land as they forage brings a bit of inner peace.

Connect with the animals at the estate

We have several rescue dogs at GlenMyu Estate.

Most visitors to Sri Lanka see the poor condition of the stray street dogs as they travel around the island. There are some good organisations that help these poor animals such as WeCare, Embark and Dogs of Ella.

All of our rescue dogs are vaccinated, friendly, and used to meeting guests. We would not recommend that you pet any dogs or cats in Sri Lanka as rabies is still an issue and dangerous for humans.

You can been comfortable in petting our dogs as they have all their vaccinations and love it when guests stay.

Look out for Clove, who thinks that you have come to visit her!

Our dogs add to our aim of making people happy during their stay.

Be happy and come to Sri Lanka on holiday.

Your experience of a holiday in Sri Lanka will put a smile on your face and you will remember your time here for many years.

The tourist boards’ new slogan is ‘You will come back for more’.

Once you have experienced this paradise island we are sure you will want to come back again one day.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Making people happy Read More »

Jackfruit growing at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka.

These delicious fruits are a staple dish on our menu at our luxury bed and breakfast in the central hills of Sri Lanka.

I was delighted to return from my UK trip in October to see so many Jackfruits on the trees next to the lawn at GlenMyu Estate.

An island of many seasons

There are several different zones in Sri Lanka which give rise to different climates and growing conditions. Also, there are two major monsoons that affect different parts of the island during the year.

In the Sri Lankan hill country we have two drier seasons and two season where we have some much needed rain.

The weather patterns have changes due to global warming. However we normally have a dry spell from mid-June until mid-September.

Rains were late coming to GlenMyu Estate this year and our Jackfruit trees were quite bare!

When I returned, this is what I saw!

Before I left GlenMyu Estate for the UK at the beginning of October the tree had not delivered Jackfuits for around month.
I could see a few small shoots starting on the tree. But I was pessimistic that we would have a crop for our guests during the peak tourist season from December to April.

I was amazed, and very happy to see the number of fruits that had grown in less then three weeks.

As you can see, we should have plenty of Jackfruits during the season to make delicious dishes for our guests.

Keeping the food miles low

We are lucky to have some mature Jackfruit trees next to the lawn at GlenMyu Estate.

They provide an abundance of fruits which we use in dishes that we serve to our guests.

The food miles are about as low as you can get being around twenty metres from the kitchen!

What do we use Jackfruit for?

We mainly use Jackfruit for a curry which we serve along with the other elements in our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Most guests are surprised at how meaty the texture of the Jackfruit is when it is cooked. It is however a carbohydrate rather than a protein.

Therefore, we make sure that you get your protein from other dishes that are part of the Sri Lankan sharing platter.

We also make a Pulled Jackfruit Burger which is cooked in a barbecue sauce.

Lots of our guests have been surprised that it isn’t pulled pork as it has a similar texture.

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka -How we open the Jackfruit

Jackfruits are huge and heavy.

Once they have been cut from the tree they are a challenge to break open and get to the good stuff inside. There is also a sticky sap which makes it a tricky item to handle.

Sri Lankans are experts when it comes to opening the Jackfruit, as you can see from this video.

The Jackfruits aren't all ours!

Fortunately there are lots of Jackfruit on the tree. There are lots of animals that visit GlenMyu Estate that also love Jackfuit.

Monkeys, birds and squirrels are happy when they ripen.

Luckily there are enough fruits to share with the wildlife.

We have also planted lots of fruit trees on the edge of the estate which will feed the wildlife in the future.

Learn how to cook Jackfruit

When our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter, Ru’s mum happily provides a complimentary cooking demonstration.

She has over fifty years experience of Sri Lankan cooking and her food is delicious.

Our guests really enjoy the informal setting and give great reviews of the food after they have eaten their evening meal.

It commences at around 4 p.m and therefore is suitable if you are staying more that one night at GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka Read More »

Taking skills from Le Cordon Bleu to Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Traditional British Sunday Dinner / By Mikeez

Taking cooking skills from Le Cordon Bleu to Sri Lanka

Ruwanthi took some of the cooking skills and techniques that she learnt on a short Le Cordon Bleu course to GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka.

Ruwanthi completed a basic Le Cordon Bleu course in London. She has and taken what she learnt to the kitchen at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka.

Prior to spending sixteen years in the UK, Ruwanthi had limited cooking skills.

Her mother is a great cook, and she provided all the meals for the family as Ru was growing up.
Focusing on her Gymnastic skills whilst attending Ananda Balika Vidyalaya School in Colombo, Ru’s focus was not in the kitchen. Her concentration on her sport led her to becoming National Gymnast champion for several years.

However, a career move to London meant that Ru would need tolerant to cook for herself.

I think that the competitive streak she has resulted in the quality of cooking she delivers at GlenMyu Estate.

I was so lucky

How lucky was I? Ruwanthi used to bring what she cooked home in the evening for me to taste.

Quite often, her Le Cordon Bleu dishes became my lunch the next day much to my colleagues envy.

The place to eat in Queens Park

We lived in our tiny flat in Queens Park, North West London.

As Ru’s cooking skills gained momentum, our flat became the place that everyone wanted to eat.

The number of dinner parties that took place around our small lounge dining table were numerous and are remembered by our friends who were the beneficiaries of Ruwanthi’s food experiments.

What good times we had.

Delia Smith and a Traditional Roast Dinner

Ru knew that Sunday lunches were a favourite of mine.

She decided one day to follow Delia Smith’s cookbook to create a Roast Dinner for myself and my flatmate Phil.

We were amazed on what she served up. Perfect Roast Potatoes and superbly crisp and fluffy Yorkshire Puddings.

High praise was lauded and a Sunday Roast became a welcome meal after I retrained from coaching rugby to the junior teams in my local London rugby club.

Our Traditional Roast Chicken Dinner is a favourite amount the ex-pat community that live on the island. Recently, we have added a mushroom pie for our Plant Based guests so that they don’t miss out on this delicious meal.

Taking those skills to Sri Lanka

The skills that Ru learnt in the Le Cordon Bleu basic cookery course has stayed with her over the years.

There have been many more influences that have developed what she serves to our guests at GlenMyu Estate.

I encouraged Ru by bombarding her with cookbooks for birthdays and at Christmas.

She has quite a collection, from Michel Roux Jnr, Raymond Blanc to Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver. I managed to get Rick Stein to sign several of his series of cookbooks over the years.

Delia Smiths Simple Cookery was added to with other books in her collection.

Sri Lankan influences

For many year Peter Kuruvita’s beautiful Sri Lankan recipe book “Serendip, My Sri Lankan Kitchen” has been a reference point for Ru’s Sri Lankan cooking.

Of course, her mother has also been a major influence. Ru continues to hone her Sri Lankan dishes under her mothers guidance.

Food is an important part of GlenMyu Estate

Nourishing our guests with outside and in is an important part of what we do at GlenMyu Estate.

We have tried to create an environment throughout the five acre estate and within the house that is uplifting and connects you with nature.

The dishes that we serve, including our sumptuous breakfast to give you a good start to the day, provides you with good healthy nutrition.

Ingredients from the garden and great local suppliers

One thing that we have learnt from our time in Sri Lanka is that you should use fresh local season ingredients.

We grow a lot of things in our organic garden at GlenMyu Estate which are used as ingredients in the meals we serve.

It is important for us also to support good local producers. We have a great fruit and vegetable suppliers in the Sri Lankan hill country. Mushrooms are supplied by a grown in Bandarawela which is 26 kilometres from the Estate.

Fish is brought from the coast daily and therefore we get great Tuna and Prawns on a regular basis.

Heading towards a Plant Based Diet

It has become a natural process for us to move towards a more Plant Based diet.

You will see from our menus that we have a lots of dishes that are suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians. We still offer some chicken and fish dishes too so that we can cater for all types of diets.

In the past Sri Lankan diets were naturally Plant Based as little meat and poultry was eaten on the island for various reasons.

We have found that as we have such great fresh ingredients that provide a balanced nutritional diet, that it has been easier to move towards a more Plant Based offering.

The meals are delicious and we have had many die hard carnivores tell us that they didn’t miss meat in the dishes that we served them.

A complimentary Sri Lankan Cooking demonstration

One of the fun things that we do at GlenMyu Estate is to provide a complimentary cooking demonstration when guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

In additional to having a delicious meal to look forward to, you also get fifty plus years of cooking experience showing you how to make the dishes from Ru’s mother.

It’s an entertaining way to see how our Sri Lankan dishes are made.

We get a kick out of seeing pictures from our guests of their Sri Lankan dishes that they have made when they get home.

Sri Lankan food - the next big thing?

We love Sri Lankan food and we don’t believe that it has properly arrived on the World stage.

Hopefully, with increasing numbers of tourists visiting Sri Lanka and the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef this will be righted in the future.

In 2024 Sri Lankan chefs did well on Masterchef. Brin Pirathapan won UK Masterchef. Savindri Perera (Sav) came third on Australian Masterchef.

The judges were wowed by the food that they both served that had a Sri Lankan influence in the dishes.

We should be asking for commission!

Supporting Sri Lankan businesses and championing Sri Lankan cuisine is something that we feel is right to do.

Many of our guests seek out Sri Lankan food when they get back home as they have enjoyed what they eat at GlenMyu Estate. We know that several of our guests have eaten at Rambutan, Kolamba, Hoppers in London.

Other have sought out Sri Lankan restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide including Sagara and Lakruwana which are both based in New York.

Peter Kuruvita and Cynthia Shamugalingam’s book Rambutan must have made additional sales from our guests.

Perhaps we should be charging commission!

To be honest, after meeting us, you will know that we are not that type of people. We just like supporting good business and good people.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the great food served by Ru and the team.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and sample the dishes that we prepare freshly for our guests.

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Taking skills from Le Cordon Bleu to Sri Lanka Read More »

Newly opened in 2021 - GlenMyu Resort, Hotel and B & B, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Inspired by Raymond Blanc (and others!)

There are so many elements that inspired us as we developed GlenMyu Estate. Raymond Blanc, Geoffrey Bawa and Peter Kuruvita and many more.

Are there any unique ideas and new thinking? Aren’t most things a spur or inspiration from another idea?

Both my wife and I are humble creatures and are happy to deflect and shine the limelight elsewhere.

However, we do believe that we have created something unique in our little part of the Sri Lankan hill country.

The affect that our little paradise has on so many of our wonderful guests is amazing.
It inspires us to strive harder for everyone who stays with us.

Inspirations that live in my head and dreams

There are so many elements and people that have and continue to inspire us.

Nature now is a main driver as we aim to increase the level of biodiversity at the estate. Growing trees and plants that create a habitat and food for wildlife is our focus.

In order to meet the cost of our ambitions, we have three guest bedrooms that generate the income we require.

I am happy to admit that I have been inspired by Raymond Blanc. However, I’m a little embarrassed that one of the main places drove the inspiration is a place that I have never been.
Perhaps, some things are better left in our dreams.

There are elements of GlenMyu Estate that have been inspired by or influenced by many ideas my wife and I had over the years.

Sri Lanka’s influential architect was also an inspiration and elements of his style can be found at GlenMyu Estate. Again, I have never visited the Kandalama Hotel. I have only seen photos of it in the Bawa books that we own.

Peter Kuruvita is another inspiration for us. We believe that Sri Lankan food is not in the position that it should be as a world cuisine. The beautiful way that Sri Lankan food is presented, in his book Serendip, should be the standard. It would lift the food to another level.

Raymond Blanc - Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

I just love the whole idea of Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.

It is one of the reasons why I always tried to stay in the hotel where the reception of the many weddings that I attended over the years. The idea of having a good meal, function or just a good time, and being able to wander up the stairs to bed is my idea of luxury.

I did attend a few weddings where I stayed in a cheap B & B as close to the venue as I could. The frustration of waiting for a taxi to take me to inadequate accommodation was not worth the saving in cost.

At Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons the idea of arriving and having a Michelin Star meal in the early evening. Then retiring to a comfortable room, and knowing that a superb breakfast awaits in the morning is just heavenly.

Not a Michelin Star of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

GlenMyu Estate does not and have, or aspire to achieve, a Michelin Star.

What we want to provide is a comfortable place to stay, with amazing freshly prepared meals. And, of course, a short distance to a comfortable bedroom.

Inspired by a great Sri Lankan architect (and others)

We bought several of Geoffrey Bawa’s books when we were living in London in our small flat.

They were beautiful pieces of art that were not studied, but dipped into from time to time.

As mentioned, I have not been to Kandalama Hotel.

However, you will see that we have incorporated several rocks inside the building at GlenMyu Estate.
Some were inspired by Bawa some were by accident, but Ruwanthi can explain this further when you meet her.

And Sri Lankan food

I say that I was brought up on South Indian and Bangladeshi curries when I was living in London. A staple “British Cuisine” and I loved them all.

However, when I tasted the curries made by my mother in law on my annual trips to Sri Lanka, I was amazed at the difference.

Most Sri Lankan curries use coconut oil as a base rather than Ghee. I feel that Sri Lankan curries have a cleaner taste than the “Indian” curries that I was used to eating in the UK. Rather than being smothered by a sauce (delicious of course) I could really taste the individual dishes in a Sri Lankan curry.

So many tears

Quite often there are tears in the eyes of our guests as they leave us to explore more of the wonderful island.

It’s emotional for us too.
We do get really attached to our guests in a short space of time.
They provide so much colour to our lives sharing their experiences of Sri Lanka, their home and lives.

We were moved recently when two separate German guests sent us messages and photos letting them know that they think back to the experience that they had at GlenMyu Estate.

Experiences reflected in our customer reviews

We are humbled very often by what our guests write about their stay with us.
Whether they have written their review on Booking.com, Airbnb, Tripadvisor or Google.

We are always amazed that they would take the time to write about their experience.
Surely, they have more important things to do!
We are so grateful and soak up the words which provide us with inspiration to make every guests stay as wonderful as we can.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and see what inspired us

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc Read More »

We are receiving more Australian visitors to Sri Lanka

Hatted Restaurants in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

Are there any Hatted Restaurants in Sri Lanka?

Are there any Hatted or Michelin Star Restaurants on the paradise island of Sri Lanka?

There are some great restaurants and places to eat when you are on holiday on this paradise island.

What is a Hatted Restaurant?

Hatted Restaurants are a recognition by the Australian Good Food Guide.

A chef hat is a high honour in a chef’s career and a notable achievement in a restaurant’s history. The prestigious ‘hats’ are presented by the Australian Good Food Guide, who use precise award criteria on ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency, on food alone

The association limits its reach to Australia and therefore restaurants in Sri Lanka do not qualify for the award.

There are Hatted restaurants in Australia

Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand

A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.

Bib Gourmand
Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand – named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group – is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.

We are awaiting the first Michelin Star restaurant in Sri Lanka

At present there are no Michelin Star rated restaurants in Sri Lanka.

We hope that with the highlighting of Sri Lankan cuisine from Masterchef contestant Brin Pirathapan (winner in UK Masterchef 2024) and Sav Perera (third place in Australian Masterchef) that more Sri Lankan restaurants open and share this wonderful fare.

The number of Sri Lankan cookbooks such as Rambutan (Cynthia Shamalugan) and Serendip (Peter Kuruvita) will enable cooks to try dishes at home.

Hopefully, the first Sri Lankan based Michelin Star restaurant is not that far away.

Amazing Sri Lankan food

At GlenMyu Estate we are always delighted when guests arrive from different parts of the the island and tell us how much they love Sri Lankan food.

It’s a great cuisine, especially if you follow a Plant Based, Vegan or vegetarian diet. The food lends itself to these diets.

Of course, being an island there are also some delicious fish dishes and curries for your to sample.

Flying the flag for Sri Lankan food

We endorse the cuisine by encouraging our guests at GlenMyu Estate to try our fusion dishes or our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru’s mother, who has over 50 years experience cooking, delights in showing Sri Lankan cooking when guests order the sharing platter. An entertaining and informal time in front of our traditional kitchen is a memorable experience for our guests.

It is heartwarming when our guests send picture of the Sri Lankan food they have cooked when they returned home.

Find out more about the GlenMyu Estate Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

When our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter there is an opportunity to see how the dishes are made.

Ru’s mum, who has over 50 years experience cooking Sri Lankan food leads the entertaining experience. If the weather is good we hold this event in our outside kitchen.

It’s great learning about how to create these dishes and getting to eat the results afterwards.

The session normally starts around 4 p.m. and therefore is suitable if you are staying at GlenMyu Estate two nights or more.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate experience great food and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Hatted Restaurants in Sri Lanka Read More »

Free cookery demonstration for our Sri Lankan food

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Free Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

We offer a free Sri Lankan cookery demonstration when the guests at GlenMyu Estate order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

It’s not just informative and fun, at the end of the demonstration, you get to eat a delicious meal!

Sri Lankan Food - The next big thing?

We love Sri Lankan food and, with the recent success of Sri Lankan contestants on Masterchef, that it will reach a wider audience.

Both Brin Pirpathan on UK Masterchef and Sav Perera on Australian Masterchef in 2024 have highlighted what a great cuisine there is on this paradise island.

Brin won UK Masterchef and Sav came this on Australian Masterchef.

We believe that Sri Lankan cuisine is so good that it should be sampled by more people. Perhaps it will be the next big thing to break through as a culinary powerhouse.

Not a Masterchef but....

We don’t have a Masterchef, however, we do have Ru’s mother who has been cooking Sri Lankan food for over fifty years!

She loves showing guests how she cooks the dishes that make up our Sri Lankan sharing platter. Ru translates and adds a bit of colour to her mothers entertaining cookery demonstration.

She loves to hear how much our guests like her food and always is eager to get feedback the following morning.

The cooking demonstration normally starts between 4 pm and 4.30 pm, so it is suitable if you are staying more that one night at GlenMyu Estate.

What is the GlenMyu Estate Sri Lankan sharing platter?

Our Sri Lankan sharing platter usually consists of six or seven vegetarian dishes accompanied by paratha (flatbreads) or rice.

It’s a filling meal and a meat, poultry or fish dish is not required. You will get a nutritionally balanced meal and will not need any additional dishes.

The individual dishes Ru and her mother prepare will depend on availably of ingredients.

However, our Sri Lankan sharing platter normally consists of the following:

Jackfruit Curry (the Jackfruit is harvested from the trees next to our lawn).

Aubergine/Egg Plant Curry (one of my favourite dishes)

Kollu (a dish found only locally to the estate which is similar to satay but full of protein).

Banana flower curry

Dhal curry (lentil curry)

Mallum (a healthy mixture of shredded leaves picked from the garden)

A sample of what we do at our complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

If the weather is good we cook at our traditional Sri Lankan kitchen which is outside.

The curries taste great when they are cooked on a wood fire in locally sourced clay pots.

Here are some videos which reflect the relaxing, informative and entertaining cookery demonstration.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channels for GlenMyu Estate and Ru’s Recipes.

Trying the recipes at home

We love it when our guests send us messages and photos of them preparing some of the dishes when they return home.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Free cookery demonstration for our Sri Lankan food Read More »

Are there Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka?

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes / By Mikeez

Are there Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka?

Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka.

Given the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef in the UK and Australia, I was surprised that there are no Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan food is a great cuisine that has been promoted by successful chef such as Peter Kurivita in Australia and Cynthia Shamulangan in the UK.

Cynthia’s restaurant, Rambutan located in Borough Market in London, features as a recommended restaurant in the Michelin guide. We had the pleasure of hosting Cynthia at GlenMyu Estate when she was in the process of writing her award winning cookbook, Rambutan.

We hope that the success of Brin Pirathapan in the UK and Savindri (Sav) Perera in Australia that this wonderful cuisine will become available in more restaurants around the world.

What is a Michelin Star Restaurant?

In the late 19th Century, the Michelin brothers produced a small guide filled with handy information for travellers. It included maps, information on how to change a tyre, where to fill up on petrol. The magazine also provided recommendations for places to eat and stay.

in 1026 the Michelin Guide started awarding stars for fine dining establishments.

Now the Michelin Guide rates over 30,000 establishments in over 30 territories across three continents.

Australia has its own version to rate fine dining restaurants. The Australian God Food Guide Chef Hat Award rates restaurants throughout Australia. Chef Hats’ are awarded for consistent culinary excellence.

I could only find one restaurant with a Chef’s Hat in Australia. It is Ella by Minoli which is located in Darwin. Minoli De Silva appeared on Australian Masterchef.

We are so proud of our food at GlenMyu Estate

Food is a essential part of the experience for our guests at GlenMyu Estate.

We use the freshest and most local ingredients that we can find. Most of our menu is great for a Plant Based, Vegan or Vegetarian diet. Of course, we also cater for those who want to eat chicken or fish.

We love the positive feedback that our guests say and write about us.

What our guests say

Ru and the team at GlenMyu Estate are very proud of the food that they serve to our guests.

Feedback is important to us as it provides guidance and motivation to provide the best we can for our guests.

We are delighted that we have so many complimentary comments in our customer reviews on Booking.com, Google, TripAdvisor and Airbnb.

Please read our reviews so you can see what our customers think.

We believe that the food we serve at GlenMyu Estate is the icing on the cake for your stay with us in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

Here is an excerpt from a review from Ali (Dubai) from a recent booking.com review.

The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world

Other comments about our food

“Some of the best food I’ve had the pleasure of eating ever (special shout to Ru’s coconut cake!)”

Charlotte (UK) – Booking.com -April 2024

Nicola (UK) – Booking.com – February 2024

“The food was something else. I can’t rate this place highly enough. I felt so at home here we’re already planning out next trip!”

“it was like staying with friends and Ru’s cooking was to die for. The smell of fresh baked bread in the morning was enough to get us out of bed, and we looked forward to every evening meal, with ingredients straight from the garden.”

Sharon – Oman – April 2024

We are not aiming for a Michelin Star

Although Ru is competitive (she was National Gymnast champion for 5 years) we are not targeting a Michelin Star.

We just want to provide the best experience for our guests at GlenMyu Estate. The food that we serve is an important part of this recipe for the whole experience in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Fresh local ingredients are important

One of the important things for us is to source the best local ingredients that we can find.

We believe that keeping food miles to a minimum is good for the planet and you also get the best tasting seasonal products.

Although we grow lots of different fruits, vegetables and spices on the five acres at GlenMyu Estate, we know that we cannot provide the amount of produce we need to feed ourselves and the increasing number of guests.

We also believe that we should support good quality local producers.
There are fruits and vegetables that grow well in different parts of the island and therefore we buy and support local Sri Lankan farmers.

We also think that it would not be neighbourly or good for the local community if we were to be self sufficient. Mushrooms, Kitul Treacle and Jaggery, Organic Tea and Sri Lankan Coffee are some of the foodstuffs that we have found locally.

A tendency towards a Plant Based Menu

The longer we have been living in Sri Lanka, the more we have been moving towards a plant based menu.

It makes sense to us as we are able to grow and source great quality, fresh vegetables, spices and fruits.

Sri Lanka historically had mainly a diet that was full of fruits vegetable and, of course rice.

We are not fully satisfies with the animal husbandry on the island and although we do offer some fish and chicken dishes, a majority of our menu is plant based.

Even the most dedicated carnivores that stay with us can’t help being satisfied with our Sri Lankan sharing platter. We often hear that with the texture of our Jackfruit curry and Mushrooms dishes that they don’t miss meat!

We hope that there will be Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka in the future

It is disappointing that there are no Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka in 2024.
We hope that there will be some in the future!

There are restaurants and hotels around the country that serve spectacular tasting food.
We hope that more chefs in Sri Lanka are inspired by the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef and other cooking programmes.

During the off season, we at GlenMyu Estate like to travel around the island and we would love to have the choice to eat in a Michelin Star restaurant in Sri Lanka ourselves.

Sharing how we cook Sri Lankan Food

At GlenMyu Estate, we are happy to share.

Ru’s mother has over 50 years experience of cooking Sri Lankan food.

She delights in providing a complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and experience great Sri Lankan food.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Are there Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka? Read More »

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Ru’s cashew sauce recipe from GlenMyu Estate.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Our Cashew Sauce Recipe

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share our recipes.

Our guests love our cashew sauce.

Dipping our home-made roast paan into the sauce is a delight and taste that you will remember for a long time.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

We normally serve our cashew sauce with our mushroom or prawn dishes at GlenMyu Estate.

If you want to find out more about the food we serve please click on the link for our food menu below.

This is what Ali wrote when he stayed at GlenMyu Estate in July 2024.

Ali lives in Dubai and therefore has a good selection of cuisines at his doorstep. His words make us immensely proud.

“we ate the best food cooked by Ru. The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world”

(booking.com – July 2024)

Our guests love the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate.

We are humbled when they write their reviews about their stay and how much they enjoyed what Ru and the team served them to eat. You can read the reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google and Tripadvisor.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample our other recipes

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Cashew Sauce Recipe Read More »

Okra Salad Recipe

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Okra Salad Recipe

Our Okra Salad Recipe

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share our recipes.
One of our guests from the USA loved it so much we published it.

So, if you liked this recipe please think your thanks to Janice from Los Angeles for inspiring us to publish our recipe.

Okra Salad Recipe

We normally serve our Okra Salad as an accompaniment to our Chilli and Garlic Prawns or Sesame Crusted Tuna dishes at GlenMyu Estate.

You can read more about the other food we serve got guests at the following link below.

This is what Ali wrote when he stayed at GlenMyu Estate in July 2024.

Ali lives in Dubai and therefore has a good selection of cuisines at his doorstep. His words make us immensely proud.

“we ate the best food cooked by Ru. The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world”

(booking.com – July 2024)

Our guests love the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate.

We are humbled when they write their reviews about their stay and how much they enjoyed what Ru and the team served them to eat. You can read the reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google and Tripadvisor.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample our other recipes

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Okra Salad Recipe Read More »

Best food in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Best food in Sri Lanka

The best food in Sri Lanka.

We are humbled by guests at GlenMyu Estate when they write in their reviews that we serve the best food in Sri Lanka.

Best food in Sri Lanka!

My wife and I are a little shy, introverted and don’t really like to blow our own trumpets.

Thankfully our guests at GlenMyu Estate are happy to let the world know what they think of the food that we serve.

Some of our guests have said that they have had the best food in Sri Lanka when they have stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate.

Humbled and immensely proud

We are humbled and immensely proud of the words that they write about us in their reviews.
They also tell their friends and we love it when we get recommendations from our guests.

I'll be back!

Some say that they will stay at GlenMyu Estate again when they visit Sri Lanka again on holiday. And they do!
We look after our returning guests with the best rates as they book directly with us.

Don't believe us?

Of course, it’s easy to write an article to lure you to our little piece of paradise in the Sri Lankan hill country.

However, once you get to know us, you will understand that we are genuine and just love having guests visit and enjoy everything we do at the estate.

Food is an important part of what we do and we believe an essential part of the hospitality at GlenMyu Estate.

Read all about it!

Our guests have no reason to write anything but the truth about their experience at GlenMyu Estate and their views on the food we serve.

We don’t say that we have the best food in Sri Lanka, but some of our guests do.

Snippets from our guests reviews

Here are some snippets from our reviews on Booking.com, Google and TripAdvisor.

Please have a look for yourself at the full reviews on the relevant sites.

Charlotte from the UK

(Booking,com) April 2024

“Some of the best food I’ve had the pleasure of eating ever (special shout to Ru’s coconut cake!)”

“The food was absolutely incredible! We never ate so deliciously during our entire vacation”.

Oleysa from Russia

(Booking.com) March 2024

Deimante – Belgium

(Google Review) April 2024

“Oh and the food! Great traditional food is made using ingredients from the garden”.

“All of the meals were outstandingly good using local fresh ingredients and produce”.

Barbara – UK

(TripAdvisor) March 2024

We don't want to be the best - we want everyone to deliver fabulous food in Sri Lanka

My wife and I ae not particularly competitive people. We love Sri Lanka and the smiles and stories that our guests relay when they arrive at GlenMyu Estate.

We love that they have had a great time and great food at other hotels and restaurants that they have stayed at before arriving here.

Sri Lankan food is delicious and we are really happy that it is getting more exposure from contestants in Masterchef. Both Brin Pirathapan and Savindri Perera have shone a light on Sri Lankan food in the 2024 series in the UK and Australia.

Find our more about what food we serve guests at GlenMyu Estate

As Ru lived in the UK for many years before returning to Sri Lanka and developing GlenMyu Estate, she likes to experiment with her dishes

You will find Egg Hoppers with a twist. Our Sri Lankan sharing platter includes a dish that it local to the area in the hill country

A Chicken Roast dinner - a reminder of back home

Although we do champion Sri Lankan food, we do have guests and residents in Sri Lanka that come to us for their traditional roast dinner.

Some tourists want to have something to remind them of home.

There are also lots of people from the UK living for part of the year in Sri Lanka. They have become regular visitors to sample Ru’s roast dinner. We also offer a plant based option for those that do not want to eat chicken.

An informal complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

The dream team of Ru and her mum offer a complimentary informal cooking demonstration when guests order our sharing platter.

It’s a fun and informative experience which is conducted at our outside kitchen (weather permitting!).

As you can hear in this video, there is a lot of laughter accompanying the demonstration.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our Sri Lankan food offering.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Best food in Sri Lanka Read More »

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food

Although we were really disappointed that Sav Perera left Masterchef, she, along with other contestants have created an interest in Sri Lankan food.

At GlenMyu Estate, we are lucky to already know what an amazing cuisine the country offers.
We truly believe that it should stand alongside other World food in reputation.

Our deepest thanks go out to Sav and Brin (UK Masterchef), for what they have done for the awareness of Sri Lankan food.

Masterchef Top 3 - an amazing achievement

10 Play AU’s website article “‘Intensely Proud Of Myself’: Sav Perera Leaves MasterChef With A Final Love Letter To Sri Lanka”

Savinda Perera made it to the top three in Australia Masterchef in July 2024 which is an amazing achievement.

Sav wanted to illustrate the bold flavours along with refinement and elegancy of the three-course meal for 20 diners and the judges.

“I knew it was going to be a chance to showcase all that Sri Lankan food could be”

Click on the button to read the article on 10 Play AU.

Sri Lankan success in Masterchef UK 2024

Another contestant with Sri Lankan heritage went further in 2024.

Brin Pirathapan, a veterinary surgeon whose love of cooking is inspired by his Sri Lankan heritage was crowned the 20th winner of BBC Masterchef in the UK.

Championing Sri Lankan food in Sri Lanka

At GlenMyu Estate we love our guests experiencing Sri Lankan food.

Our Sri Lankan Sharing platter is a favourite with our guests as they get to sample a wide range of flavours.

Most of the dishes are vegetarian, aubergine curry (eggplant), dhal (lentil), potato, pumpkin and more.

Read our food reviews on Google, Booking.com and Airbnb to see what our guests say.

Our breakfasts are a fusion of Sri Lankan and Western style dishes. As Ru lived in the UK for 15 years, she knows how much spice to add for Western palettes.

A complimentary cookery demonstration by our own "Masterchef"

Ru’s mother has been cooking Sri Lankan food for over 50 years!

We offer a complimentary cooking demonstration for guests when they order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

The variety of dishes provide you with a good understanding of the breadth of Sri Lankan cooking.

Our guests find the informal cookery demonstration, interesting, informative and fun.

Ru conducts the demonstration in connection with her mum providing explanations and translation of what you are seeing and tasting.

You can see some of videos of the demonstration on our You Tube Channel or on Ru’s Recipes.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy delicious Sri Lankan food

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food Read More »

Vegan desserts - Cinnamon and Pineapple Sorbet

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka

A Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka.

At GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Sri Lanka we continue to develop our Vegan offerings to our guests.

Our menu is not fully Vegan, as we know that all of our guests are not ready for this.

However, as we increase the level of plant based dishes on our menu we find that more guests are selecting these options.

Our ice cream made without dairy and using unrefined sugar (locally sourced Kithul treacle) is becoming a favourite choice.

Inspired by Brin Pirathapan, the winner of UK Masterchef 2024, we are developing a new range of sorbets experimenting with great locally sourced ingredients.

Naturally plant based in Sri Lanka

We feel that we are already at an advantage in Sri Lanka when it comes to Vegan or Plant based food.

Sri Lanka has lots of Plant Based dishes in its’ normally repertoire of dishes.
You will find that lots of the staple Rice and Curries served on the island are vegan, vegetarian or plant based naturally.

We however suggest that you ask whether there is any meat, poultry or fish in the dishes that you order to avoid any hiccups!

GlenMyu Estate is based in the Sri Lanka hill country, just an hours drive from the tourist town of Ella.

Since we opened in 2022, GlenMyu Estate has continued to develop its’ Vegan friendly menu for our guests.

Fresh local ingredients ,make it easier.

This paradise island in the Indian Ocean provide a bounty of produce which makes it easier to provide plant based dishes for our guests.

The coconuts are amazing and are an important ingredient in lots of our dishes.

We are making more varieties of ice cream using coconut milk and our guests love it. Coconuts are sourced locally, some from our neighbours and scrape at least one coconut a day.

Plant based cakes

When our guests arrive in the early afternoon we like to offer them locally sourced organic tea along with a pice of cake.

Bibbikan is a traditional Sri Lankan coconut cake which is plant based. We also only use unrefined sugar making this guest favourite. Locally sourced Kithul Treacle makes this a special cake to enjoy at GlenMyu Estate.

Whats on the menu at GlenMyu Estate?

Our menus are changed and updated regularly.

For our current menu and prices please click on the following link.

Plant based breakfast options

From the local Sri Lankan rice porridge and healthy leaf drink to twists on Sri Lankan fusion dishes, breakfast is always enjoyable at GlenMyu Estate.

We make sure that our guests are set up for the day with a variety of dishes.

Some of our plant based starters and mains

Freshly made soups with homemade breads.

Delicious homemade pastas, Jackfruit dishes with the jackfruit picked from the trees next to the lawn and our sharing platter. Staying several days at GlenMyu Estate will not exhaust the choice of vegan and plant based dishes we have on our menu.

Sometimes you can accompany Ruwanthi in the garden to pick some of the produce that will be used in your meals.

Not just sorbet!

Desserts are an important part of being on holiday.

However, sometimes the only Vegan or Plant Based dessert options are just a sorbet!

We love sorbet and our Cinnamon and Pineapple sorbet is a favourite with guests but we have several other choices for you.

Catering for all our guests, whatever their dietary requirements,

It’s important for us at GlenMyu Estate to provide the best experience we can during their stay in Sri Lanka with us.

We do still offer some fish and chicken dishes on our menu to provide an alternative option.
What we do find, however, is that once our guests have tasted our Plant Based dishes, they are happy to have a meat free stay.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka Read More »

5 reasons to visit Sri lanka in 2024

Cookery Courses, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 2024.

5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 2024.

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit a paradise island before too many holidaymakers find it!

Here are our 5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 2024 on holiday.

There are so many reasons to holiday in Sri Lanka in 2024.

We list below our 5 reasons on why you should not delay and visit in 2024.

1. Come to Sri Lanka now before it gets too busy

You must have read about some tourist spots around the globe restricting visitors.

Some places like the canary Islands have seen protests against the rise in tourism from local residents.

Sri Lanka is encouraging tourism right now and the government has ambitious plans to increase numbers from 1.5 million to 2.3 million in 2024.

By 2030 the target is an ambitious 5 million tourists!

The island is idyllic now, but as the number of tourists increases, the shine will dull in the future as tourist spots get too busy.

An amazing experience that many of our guests have when they holiday at GlenMyu Estate is visiting Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

The second highest waterfall in the country is becoming more discovered as the road access has improved in recent year.

It’s fast becoming an Instagram must.

We have has so many guests that have left GlenMyu Estate to visit Upper Diyaluma before breakfast and have had an amazing experience.

As we are only 40 minutes from the waterfall, our guests have managed to beat other tourists there and sometimes have had the place all to themselves.

When they return to GlenMu Estate for a late breakfast, they are energised from the unique early morning experience that they have had.

2. Getting a train ticket is difficult now, it will be more challenging in the future

One of the great experiences that you will have as you travel around this paradise island is to take a train journey through a beautiful landscape.

Lost of our guests at GlenMyu Estate arrive at Haputale Station from Kandy and are wowed by what they see on the train journey.

Even in 2023, some guests have found it a challenge in getting train tickets. Can you imagine how difficult it will be as tourist numbers increase?

It would be great if Sri Lankan Railways put on additional service to cope with increasing demand. However, this will be difficult as the tracks are limited on the capacity they can handle.

3. A less crowded beach

There are so many beaches around the coast of the island that you would think that there would always be places where you didn’t have to fight for a spot on the sand.

What tends to happen in Sri Lanka is that as a “new beach” is discovered, people flock there and lots of development follows to cash in.

As time passes there will be less places to discover and that ideal image of an uncluttered beach will dissipate.

So, we say ‘come now” before the beaches get too busy.

4. Go East before it gets found

The east and north coasts of the island are becoming a more popular destination to visit as this part has gradually opened up since the ending of the civil war some 15 years ago.

The best time to visit is between April and September as the coasts are generally monsoon free.

As most of Europe is in the Mediterranean during their summer vacation, there are opportunities to spend time at less crowded beaches.

5. Be one of the pioneers to walk the Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail is a new, 22 stage, 300km walking trail around Sri Lanka.

It only opened in late 2023.

The new experience in Sri Lanka has already won awards and is being recognised.

‘Best Wider World Tourism Project’ at the British Guild of Travel Writers International Tourism Awards (ITA)

National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ List for 2024

As more tourist travelling to Sri Lanka become more aware of the Pekoe Trail the number of hikers on the walk will rise.

If you want to hike the Pekoe Trail with less of a crowd, we would recommend that you visit Sri Lanka in 2024 or soon after.

Several of our guest at GlenMyu Estate have already hiked stages 12 and stages 13 of the Pekoe Trail.

Located a short drive from Haputale, GlenMyu Estate is a convenient place to stay within reach of several stages of the Pekoe Trail.

Our 5 reasons to holiday in Sri Lanka in 2024

Beat the increase in tourist numbers.
Enjoy a beautiful train journey.
Experience a less crowded beach.
Discover the East before it develops as a main tourist destination.
Be one of the first to walk the Pekoe Trail

Add Your Heading Text Here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

5 reasons to visit Sri lanka in 2024 Read More »

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef.

Celebrating the success of Brin Pirathapan who won BBC Masterchef 2024, we find more Sri Lankan inspired chefs

Brin Pirathapan won BBC Masterchef 2024. His cooking is influenced by his Sri Lankan heritage.

There have been lots of Sri Lankan chefs compete in Masterchef in the UK and abroad. Australian Masterchef has seen the most number of competitors with Sri Lankan heritage.

Some chefs just love Sri Lankan cuisine and have made inspired dishes.

The food in Sri Lanka is wonderful and it’s great to see it being shown on the world stage through Masterchef.

In recognition of Brin’s success, here are some videos of other contestants and their dishes on Masterchef.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Savindri is another Australian Masterchef contestant who served Sri Lanka food.

You can see from these videos that she is also a great character.

Cooking Sri Lankan food for the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama was served Sri Lankan food by Dani Venn on Masterchef Australia.

You don’t have to be an adult to make Sri Lankan food.

Georgie made spicy Sri Lankan coconut curry in Junior Masterchef, Australia.

You don't have to be Sri Lankan to make Sri Lankan food

Many of the chefs on Masterchef have Sri Lankan heritage, however they are not the only ones to prepare Sri Lankan dishes.

There was an elimination round where the contestants had to identify twenty four ingredients in a Sri Lankan curry.

Dee, on Australian Masterchef, made a Sri Lankan crab curry and pineapple salad.

Enjoying Sri Lankan food on holiday in Sri Lanka

When you visit Sri Lanka you will have the opportunity to sample Sri Lankan food in restaurants, hotels and small cafes.

You may even get the chance to be invited into a Sri Lankan families home to enjoy a home cooked meal. Visiting a homestay during part of your exploration of the island is a good way to support a local family and eat with them.

Sri Lankan Street Food

Food in Sri Lanka is not all about the types of dishes served on Masterchef. Street food can be found all round the island.

Whether it is roti, paratha, egg hoppers or wade’s, you will have a culinary experience to remember.

Experience Sri Lankan cooking at our free cooking demonstration

At GlenMyu Estate, we offer a complimentary informal Sri Lankan cooking demonstration when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru’s mother, who has fifty plus years experience of cooking Sri Lankan food runs the show!

It’s a really enjoyable experience for our guests with the benefit of eating what you have seen made in the kitchen.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and it will encourage us to post more videos of our cooking demonstrations at GlenMyu Estate.

Holiday in Sri Lanka and enjoy Sri Lankan Cuisine

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef Read More »

BBC Masterchef Winner 2024 – Brin Pirathapan

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

BBC Masterchef Winner 2024 - Brin Pirathapan

BBC Masterchef Winner 2024 is Brin Pirathapan who is a vet whose cooking was inspired by his Sri Lankan Heritage.

Congratulations to Brin!

We hope that Brings success will promote Sri Lankan food to the place where it deserves to be!

BBC Masterchef, announced on the BBC

You can read the announcement on the BBC website by clicking on the following link.

"The best final we’ve ever done.”

Judge John Torode told the finalists: “Twenty years we’ve been doing MasterChef. That is the best final we’ve ever done.”

Read about the final at the article in the Independent.

Sri Lankan restaurants are likely to get busy.

We fully expect that people will start to explore the amazing Sri Lankan cuisine and will be seeking out restaurants.

Rambutan is based in London’s Borough Market.

It’s a place that we have tried ourselves and we would highly recommend it.

Book a table early though, it’s aleady a busy spot.

Free informal Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations at GlenMyu Estate.

One of the things that lots of our guests love is the informal cooking demonstrations that we offer when you stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Ru and her mother guide our guests through cooking delicious Sri Lankan food.

We have slowly been putting videos of our cooking demonstration on Ru’s Recipes so you can see what we do.

You can see our food menu at GlenMyu Estate to see the types of dishes we make.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

BBC Masterchef Winner 2024 – Brin Pirathapan Read More »

Freshly Baked Bread in the Morning

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Freshly Baked Bread in the morning.

One of the special things about staying at GlenMyu Estate on you holiday in Sri Lanka.

Our guests love it.

Ru and the team get up early and make a variety of breads, rolls and sweet buns to tempt you put of bed in the morning.

Something to look forward to on holiday

We find that our guests at GlenMyu Estate really look forward to a relaxing and lazy breakfast.

It’s important to Ru and the team that you get a nutritious start to the day.

If you plan to go out and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country you will be expending a bit of energy. There is nothing better to start you on your way with a great filling breakfast which will give you the energy to tackle your walk.

After eating a healthy and heart breakfast you can probably skip lunch and look forward to a delicious dinner in the evening.

What type of breads do we make and serve?

Sri Lankan Roast Paan (curry bread)

This bread is great for dipping into sauces and therefore is known as a curry bread.

We also serve roast paan with some of our evening meals as it’s great to dip into the sauces for our Chilli & Garlic Prawns or Mushrooms in Cashew Sauce dishes.

Baguettes

Although we are limited on the varieties of flour that we can purchase in Sri Lanka we do make a good quality baguette.

Brioche – our version

One of the things that our French and German guest really enjoy is the brioche that we make at GlenMyu Estate. I love it when I see a French guest dip the brioche into their cup of Sri Lankan coffee.

Rolls and rolls

We make a variety of rolls for breakfast, some with wholemeal flour, some mixed or white baps.

Different days, different breads

It’s great if you are staying two days or more as Ru changes what types of bread she makes each day.

Other breads for other meals

Ru and the team also make ciabatta and focaccia which accompany some of the meals on our dinner menu.

It would not be right to serve an Italian style bread with our homemade Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli or our Mushroom Risotto.

You can see our current food menu by clicking the following link.

What about Sourdough?

Ru does make a sourdough bread occasionally.

If we know a guest has some dietary restrictions and we have enough notice ahead of time we have made sourdough rolls and loafs for our guests.

It's not all about the breads.....but

A stay at GlenMyu Estate is not all about the food we serve, however it’s a really important part of your stay.

If you read our reviews on Google, Booking.com and Airbnb you will regularly see Ru being complimented on her food.

Here is a taste! of what our guests say.

Oh and the food! Great traditional food is made using ingredients from the garden

The smell of fresh baked bread in the morning was enough to get us out of bed, and we looked forward to every evening meal, with ingredients straight from the garden.

the food was seriously divine (I’m still dreaming of the cinnamon scrolls

Stay at GlenMyu Estate, enjoy the food and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Freshly Baked Bread in the Morning Read More »

Read our food reviews

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

GlenMyu Estate food reviews. read what our guests say.

Read our food reviews.

We are extremely proud of what our guests write about the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka.

Not comfortable in accepting praise

Like may people we are a little bit shy about receiving praise from people. For me it’s probably a trait from being brought up in the UK.

However, for my wife I think that it’s because Sri Lankans are naturally a little bit shy.

We love what we do

Both my wife and I are not from a hospitality background. Creating GlenMyu Estate was a change in career at the right time of life for us.

We didn’t know whether we would like the hospitality industry. Sri Lanka went through lots of difficulties when we were building the accommodation and creating the garden. Beregala was not an established tourist location as most people just stay in Ella.

It turns out that we love what we do and the guests that come love it here also.

We have tried to create an atmosphere where you feel that you are staying with friends and not in a formal hotel or B & B.

We are happy to share

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share what we do. We have had lots of requests for recipes, videos of cooking and even a cookbook.

We provide a complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Our guests find this an enjoyable experience and try to make some dishes when they return home from their holiday.

Using locally sourced ingredients

At GlenMyu Estate we try to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables and spices on the five acre estate.

We do buy fish (after all we live on a small island) and chicken, however most of our dishes are plant based.

The ingredients are sourced locally from the estate or from Beragala, Haldumulla, Haputale or Bandarawela.

Supporting local suppliers

Although self sufficiency was a dream for us we realised that we need to support the local community and merchants. We didn’t think that it would be very neighbourly coming to a community and not supporting them by buying some of their produce.

Nevertheless, we were not in a position to meet the demands of production from the estate when GlenMyu Estate is busy with guests.

We are also very new to growing the variety of produce at GlenMyu Estate and we know that it will take several years before we get it right.

So, what do the guests at GlenMyu Estate say about the food?

As we are still a little bit bashful, here are some extracts of what our guests have written in their Google, Booking.com, Airbnb and Tripadvisor reviews.

Some of the best food I've had the pleasure of eating ever (special shout to Ru's coconut cake!).

The hosts were delightful and the food was exceptional!

The food was absolutely incredible! We never ate so deliciously during our entire vacation. Homemade bread and rolls are a delight. My daughter cried when we left.

Ruawanti is a very good cook who spoils their guests with Sri Lankan delicacies. Dinner is individually cooked to the guests' preferences.

Ru’s cooking was to die for. The smell of fresh baked bread in the morning was enough to get us out of bed, and we looked forward to every evening meal, with ingredients straight from the garden

The food that Ruwanthi cooked was the best Sri Lankan food we had throughout our trip and a fraction of what we paid for other meals we had.

It makes us so proud!

We are so proud of what we have created at GlenMyu Estate and are also humbled at what people say.

It’s all about teamwork, of course, and we are supported by staff in the kitchen and who work on the gardens around the estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the food that we serve

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and enjoy the meals that we offer to our guests.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Read our food reviews Read More »

Sri Lankan contestants in UK Masterchef

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Sri Lankan contestants in UK Mastechef

Sri Lanka is being represented by some of the the contestants in UK Masterchef 2024.

I’m sure that British born Brin and Sri Lankan born Mathu, will be followed and supported from Sri Lankans around the world in their quests to become UK Masterchef 2024.

Brin has Tamil Sri Lankan heritage and this has influenced the food that he loves to eat and recreate.

We are looking forward to seeing what Brin serves up to the judges on this favourite UK TV series.

Heat 1 - Brin, the veterinarian

Brin, a veterinary surgeon, grew up in Chelmsford and now is located in Bristol.

Find out more about UK Masterchef 2024 by clicking the link to the BBC website.

You can read more about all the contestants on BBC Masterchef by clicking the following link.

Heat 4 - Mathu - A Sri Lankan born Brit competes in UK MasterChef 2024.

A Sri Lankan born Brit is competing in the fourth heat of MasterChef 2024

Mathu grew up in Sri Lanka and then Toronto, Canada.

She now lives in London and works as a Head of Charity Investments.

Read the Colombo Gazette article by clicking on the following link.

Previous contestants on Masterchef with Sri Lankan heritage

Masterchef does not just take place in the UK. Australia and the US both have their own versions of the show.

There have been several chefs competing in the shows with Sri Lankan connections.

Ray Silva appeared on MasterChef Australia 2017 and made it to the top 24

Minoli De Silva wowed the judges with many Sri Lankan inspired dishes, while making her way towards the top 10 finalists of MasterChef Australia 2021.

Georgia was the winner of Junior Masterchef Australia 2020

Dhayanie ‘Dee’ Williams was first, Sri Lankan female contestant at MasterChef Australia,

Kumar Pereira made it to the top 12 of MasterChef Australia season 3,.

Sri Lankan – American, Jessica Heath is a top 40 contestant on MasterChef USA Season 8,

Samantha Rochelle De Silva participated in the 3rd season of MasterChef USA in 2012. She was ranked in 18th place.

Malin De Silva was a semi-finalist in the 2019 series of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals

A free cooking demonstration at GlenMyu Estate

If you are interested in Sri Lankan cooking when holiday in the Sri Lankan hill country look no further than GlenMyu Estate.

Ru and the team offer a free cooking demonstration, when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

We normally prepare 5-6 vegetarian dishes from local ingredients.

Lots of our guests have taken notes and tried the recipes at home.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Join in with the free Sri Lankan cookery demonstration hosted by Ru and her mother.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Sri Lankan contestants in UK Masterchef Read More »

The best places for female solo travel in 2024

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

The Best Places for Solo Female Travel - Sri Lanka 2024

Time Out’s best places for female solo travel in 2024 has been released.

The number one destination for solo female travel is Sri Lanka!

The Time Out article was written by India-Jayne Trainor is a British-Australian travel writer based in London.

It states that “according to a recent survey, over half of Gen Z women would consider travelling abroad alone”

According to McKinsey.com “Generation Z comprises people born between 1996 and 2010. This generation’s identity has been shaped by the digital age, climate anxiety, a shifting financial landscape, and COVID-19.”

Sri Lanka is considered “the perfect first stop for female travellers wanting to dip into South Asia”.

Lots of solo travellers have stayed with us

We have been a little bit surprised at the number of solo travellers that have stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate.

They have mainly been solo female travellers, however we do get the occasional solo male traveller.

As we only have three bedrooms there is usually another one or two guests to interact with when staying at GlenMyu Estate.

Opportunities to share experiences

We have found that some guests like eating on their own and keeping themselves to themselves.
Most however, are happy to join the other guests for meals which provides a great opportunity to share stories.

It’s also great to get recommendations from other travellers on what to do and what to see at GlenMyu Estate and on the next part of their tour around the island.

Dinner with your hosts

I always found it uncomfortable being at a hotel and telling the waiter I needed a table for one.

We understand this is a not what some guest want and we are happy to join with the guests for their meals if they want.
Both my wife and I don’t tend to eat much in the evenings, however we are always happy to have a chat and we enjoy a good conversation with people that stay.

Why travel on your own?

Some of our guests have travelled on their own because they are single or their partner couldn’t get the time off from work to join them.

Others just like to travel on their own. There are opportunities to explore places without the distractions of other people.

Other things reading about tips for solo female travellers.

She Needs Less states in their article that solo female travel “It provides a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, build confidence and create unforgettable memories. “

Sri Lanka is no 15 on Headout.com’s list of “16 Safe Female Solo Travel Destinations”.

They state that as the country is ” predominantly Buddhist, women traveling alone will find the nation to be very hospitable and safe”.

They also advise that you should dress conservatively is some locations, especially when you are visiting temples.

We would also recommend that you read the article by Life of Brit “The Complete Guide To Solo Travel in Sri Lanka”.

She advises that “it’s always important to be in the know, stay vigilant and trust your gut when something doesn’t feel right.”.

Why do solo travellers stay at GlenMyu Estate?

Solo travellers stay with us at GlenMyu Estate for a number of reasons.

Because of what people write about us
Our rating on booking sites, google and TripAdvisor.

We are really proud of the reviews that our guests have written about their stay. The food, being closer to nature, the animals, the rooms and the wonderful views are common themes on what’s written.

To be off the beaten track
Away from the bustle of Ella
Being away from the crowds of the busy tourist town of Ella is a regular wish from many guests.

Because they are worth it
A little bit of luxury in between hostels.
Several of our solo travellers have spent time in hostels in Kandy or Ella where they have met other travellers. They treat themselves by spending two or three days in the luxury of GlenMyu Estate going them lots of variety on their holiday.

To explore the great sights near to GlenMyu Estate

There are lots of superb places to explore on a day trip from GlenMyu Estate.

If you are into hiking we are close to several sections of the new Pekoe Trail.
Several of our guests have enjoyed the hikes near Lipton’s Seat, Haputale and Idalgashinna Railway station. We can arrange a guide to accompany you if you feel safer with some company.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is an amazing experience.

It’s a 45 minute to 1 hour Tuk Tuk ride from GlenMyu Estate.

We can supply you with a trusted Tuk Tuk driver who will take you to Diyaluma Waterfall. He will show you the best route and look after your belongings as you are enjoying the stunning pools.

Our thoughts and reccommendations as for solo travellers in Sri Lanka.

Although Sri Lanka may be number one in the Time Out list, we would recommend you not to be too complacent.

Unfortunately, being a tourist in one of the tourist spots does attract some conmen, whatever country you visit.

We recommend that you make sure you keep en eye on your belongings at all times.

Overall, like anywhere, you just need to be vigilant and consider the risks on where you are going before you jump in.

Getting around the island safely.

If you are using a Tuk Tuk, make sure it has a meter or a price is agreed prior to your journey.
Put Google Maps on to ensure that you are travelling the shortest route to your planned destination.

We had some girls from Austria stay with us and they booked all their taxis through Booking.com as the journeys were tracked on the system,

Arrange with your accommodation for a driver to pick you up from the railway station or bus stand. They are more likely to send a driver that they know and trust and who knows their way to the accommodation.

Uber is a good option to use when you are in some of the larger cities and towns such as Colombo, Galle and Kandy.

Keep cash to a minimum.

There are lots of businesses in Sri Lanka that only accept cash as they don’t have card facilities.

Ensure that you keep the mimimim amount of cash on your person.

You can always use an ATM if you need to take out more cash.

Check with your hotel whether they take cards or whether you can transfer to a bank account using Wise, Revolut, Paypal or XM.

This will help you manage the amount of cash you need to keep on you.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

There are lots of wonderful experiences to have on and off the estate.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

The best places for female solo travel in 2024 Read More »

We are excited – Veganuary 2024 is here.

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

We are excited - Veganuary 2024 is here.

We are excited – Veganuary 2024 is here.

Are you going to participate?
You don’t have to eat Vegan food for the whole of January.

Veganuary is all about encouraging people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond.

Veganuary 2024 is here. What's the risk of dipping your toe into Veganuary?

You never know, you may (and probably) will really like what you eat. Plant Based meals have really come on in recent years. There are even lots of Michelin Star Vegan Restaurants around the world.

Veganuary 2024 is here. What should I participate?

By moving towards a more plant-based diet your will:

Help protect the environment.
Prevent animal suffering.
Improve your health.

Good for you, the animals and the environment.

Start your year off with some positive things.

It’s easy to try a plant based diet – there are lots of options for you to choose.

More restaurants offer a plant base option.
There are many more plant based restaurants to visit.
Your supermarket had plenty of Vegan and plant based meals for you to try.

It's easy to try Plant Based food at GlenMyu Estate - it's delicious!

As we can get some great local produce at GlenMyu Estate we have developed and continue adding to our Plant Based Menu.

We even offer a free Sri Lankan cooking demonstration when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.
The event is run by Ru’s mum and we find our guests really enjoy the experience. You can see how the dishes are made and try them at home for yourself.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate. Try our plant based menu and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

We are excited – Veganuary 2024 is here. Read More »

Favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Our guests' favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

Our guests’ favourite meal in Sri Lanka?

I think that this is our guests’ favourite meal in Sri Lanka. There are lots of dishes that we prepare for guests at GlenMyu Estate that we hear sounds of delight and praise.

The food is great. It is mainly prepared with the most local fresh ingredients that we can source. As a result, many of our dishes fall within the plant based, vegetarian and vegan categories.

What is our guests' favourite meal in Sri Lanka?

Well, I think that it is our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

There are lots of reasons why I think that it our guests’ favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

Some of our guests may disagree, as there are so many meals that Ru and the team create that are delicious.

However, maybe I’m a little biased, as I love our Sri Lankan sharing platter so much that I limit how often I eat it!

Why is it our guests' favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

There are several factors that make our Sri Lankan sharing platter special for our guests.

One of the main reasons is the memory you get from the whole experience.

Normally when we prepare the dishes, Ru’s mother offers a free Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

Ru’s mum has been cooking for so many years that it’s hard to count. Her husband loves her food and that has been one major joy in their relationship. It’s funny when I ask Ru’s father “How was your lunch?” when someone other than his wife was the chef. The normal response is “It’s okay”.

This is not the most positive response!

In the past when Ru has cooked for him, he has been known to say “Ask your mother how you should cook this”.

I have found that there is little tact and diplomacy in Sri Lanka in these matters and straight talking in the norm!

An entertaining afternoon.

Ru’s mums’ Sri Lankan cooking demonstration normally starts around 4.30 p.m.

The other staff help out by preparing some of the ingredients including chopping the vegetables, preparing the coconut milk and grinding the kollu.

The cooking demonstration adds to the experience.

By participating in the Sri Lankan cookery demonstration (yes you may get your hands dirty!) it adds to the overall experience.

Seeing how your food is prepared and cooked before being delivered to the table appears to add to the flavour of the dishes. I think that guests feel part of the experience.

By the way, the Sri Lankan sharing platter is delicious.

Ru’s mum is really a great Sri Lankan cook. The years of experience come out in the dishes she prepares. Not only are the dishes great tasting, they are also a balanced meal providing you with protein, carbohydrates and vegetables.

There is no meat or fish in our Sri Lankan sharing platter unless you want something on the side) and it is enjoyed by both meat and non meat eaters.
The range of flavours and textures in the dishes means that you replay don’t need any meat or fish with this meal.

It is served with either rice or paratha and you will definitely leave the table full!

Make your own mind up!

Perhaps you will disagree with me and your favourite meal in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate will differ from mine.

We hope to see you in Sri Lanka and have the opportunity to let us know.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy delicious food when you are on holiday.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Favourite meal in Sri Lanka. Read More »

Amma's Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

Amma’s Sri Lankan Cooking Demo Photos and Videos

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Amma's Sri Lankan cookery demo Photos and Videos.

Sri Lankan Cooking demonstration photos and videos.

Our guests love Amma’s Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

We thought you would like to get a taste of what happens at the demonstration by sharing some photos and videos of the event.

Amma's Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

Here is a selection of photos with Amma and our guests participating in Amma’s Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

You will see that sometimes the demonstration takes place inside and at our outside kitchens. The venue is all weather dependent and both are unique expediences.

Amma's Sri Lankan cookery demonstration Videos.

Sri Lankan Cooking demonstration photos and videos

The videos appear on our two Youtube Channels.

Please subscribe to Ru’s Recipes and GlenMyu Estate Youtube channels so you don’t miss new content that we share.

You will also be able to see our Youtube shorts on these channels.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Amma’s Sri Lankan Cooking Demo Photos and Videos Read More »

Amma’s Sri Lankan cooking demonstration

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Amma's Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

Amma’s Sri Lankan cooking demonstration is free when our guests at GlenMyu Estate order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

50 years + experience of Sri Lankan cooking!

Amma is Ru’s mum.

Ru’s mum and dad live at GlenMyu Estate and have their own house as you enter the property.

She loves gardening, cares for our rescue dogs and loves cooking Sri Lankan food.

Our guests love Amma's Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

After a day out exploring the Sri Lankan Hill Country, sitting with a drink and watching Amma’s Sri Lankan cooking demonstration is a great experience.

It’s a relaxing way to end the day. I enjoy listening to great conversations and stories being shared by our guests.

Amma is quite entertaining, which adds to the experience.

What's in the platter?

The dishes vary a little depending upon what’s available, however there are some items that are always on the menu.

Jackfruit Curry
Aubergine Curry
Kollu
Mallum

It often comes with Potatoes in coconut milk, Plantain Curry, Banana Flower Curry or Devilled Potatoes.

Rice or Paratha?

I love eating the Amma’s Sri Lanka sharing platter with paratha.
The crispy flatbread is perfect for dipping into the curries. I may get my fingers a little messy, but it’s worth not for the taste.

The Sri Lankan sharing platter also goes well with rice.
These options makes the platter versatile and good for Vegans, Vegetarians, Plant Based and guests with Gluten intolerance.

The food tastes better when you have seen it being prepared and cooked.

The experience of eating what you have watched being cooked in Amma’s Sri Lankan cooking demonstration makes the dishes taste even better.

Knowing what ingredients went into your meal provides you with a connection to the dishes.

Ru’s mother always looks for feedback the next morning and she is delighted when guests enjoy the food and the experience.

Great for Plant Based,Vegan and Vegetarian diets.

It’s reasonably easy to eat plant based, vegan and vegetarian diets in Sri Lanka as many of the local dishes are naturally prepared with vegetables and grains.

It’s often a surprising pleasure for our guests when they eat this non meat platter and are amazed at the variety of flavours.

We often hear comments that you don’t miss having meat as part of the meal. Protein is delivered mainly by the Kollu and the meal is a good balance of nutrition.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy delicious food.

We have had great feedback on the food the Ru, her mother and the team serve at GlenMyu Estate. Please read our reviews, which regularly mention how much our guests enjoy the food they eat here.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Amma’s Sri Lankan cooking demonstration Read More »

Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Holiday, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?

Here’s why we think you should visit this paradise island before it reaches its’ target of 5 million tourists.

Sri Lanka offers something for everyone.

Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of experiences for you to enjoy on holiday.

Whether you love the beach, history, culture, hiking, animals or nature it packs in a lot for a small island (similar in size to Ireland).

If you are after nightlife then stopping in Colombo, Galle, Kandy or Ella should keep you entertained.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting? It is for the variety of what's on offer.

Backpacking, climbing mountains, river rafting, whale watching, riding a zip wire and wave boarding are all on offer to get your heart racing.

Tranquil walks through nature and birdwatching tours. Yoga & meditation retreats and remote glamping are available for those who want a quieter time to work on ones soul.

Tourist numbers are going up.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?

We would recommend that you visit sooner than later.

The Tourist Board in Sri Lanka has a plan to increase tourist numbers from under 2 million to 5 million by 2029.

We hope that the country will not get to a level where it needs to restrict numbers. We don’t want to be like Barcelona, The Sechelles, Bhutan, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Islands, The Forbidden City and Lord Howe Island.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?It packs a big punch for a small island.

Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq. km. in area which compares with the Republic of Ireland which is 70,273 sq. km.

The road network has been improved in more recent years however, it does take longer than anticipated to get around. We have lots of German guests at GlenMyu Estate who are used to flying down the autobahn. They are surprised when the same distance covered Sri Lanka can take three or fours times the time to complete. However, Sri Lanka is all about the journey and enjoying what you see on the way.

The variety of experiences and what you will see makes the time you spend on this paradise island worth it.

Come at different times of the year.

The country is now marketing itself as an all year round destination and a place where you will visit again and again.

Monsoons hit the North West and South East of the island at different times of the year.
This opens up parts of the island which are best to see in particular months.

The high tourist season has been during the Northern Hemisphere winter during December to March. The South and East of the country are monsoon free and getting a tan when others are shivering at home is an attractive proposition.

The North and the East.

The North and the East coasts are best seen during April or May to September when lots of European tourists are in the Mediterranean seeking the sun.

This part of the country has only been open in more recent years as it was not a place you could visit due to the civil war which ended in May 2009.

Investment in tourism has started in the North and East. Guests that have stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate have advised to go now, before it gets too busy.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting? Different months, different places to explore.

You can experience the Sri Lankan Hill country for most months in the year.

In October the island is hit by the inter Monsoon and you would need to have good luck during that month to get some rain free days.
Climate change looks like it is changing the weather patterns in Sri Lanka, so there is no guarantee that you will be basking in the sun.

Recent guests from Australia stayed at GlenMyu Estate during the tail of the Inter monsoon and had a spectacular sunrise at Lipton’s Seat. You can read about their experience on our blog post “Sri Lanka’s most beautiful place”.

So, holidaying in Sri Lanka can pose a bit of a risk however you may win by by being derived a unique experience.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?- Summary

We would say that Sri Lanka is definitely worth visiting.

From our experience every one of our guests have loved their holiday in Sri Lanka. They are amazed by the people, what they see and the food that they eat around this small island.

Come over and experience this gem before it gets too busy.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting? Read More »

A European Christmas in Sri Lanka.

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Traditional British Sunday Dinner / By Mikeez

A European Christmas in Sri Lanka.

This year we have guests from Germany and Scandinavia staying at GlenMyu for Christmas.

Here is what we are planning to do for our guests.

A European Christmas in Sri Lanka - Decorating the house.

As we have an artificial Christmas Tree, we make some of our decorations from natural materials sourced from the estate.

All our workers, whatever their faith, participate in making the decorations. This provides a sense of community and a break from their day to day roles.

Ru's Mother makes some decorations.

Apart from being an excellent Sri Lankan cook, Ru’s mother is also a seamstress.

She has made some decorations for the house which are quite cute.

Sri Lanka is a multi faith country. Although Ru’s mum is Buddhist, like many other local people, she is happy to contribute to the festivities.

It would be normal in Sri Lanka for Buddhists and Hindus to visit each others temples in times of celebration. Many Sri Lankan Buddhists do a pilgrimage to Kataragama Hindu Temple.

There are often Hindu Kovils attached to Buddhist Temples as well.

A European Christmas in Sri Lanka - Decide on a menu.

Ru has been thinking about what she will serve to the guests.

As one of the parties are arriving several days before the big event, she will canvass the guests before making a final decision.

We normally serve only Chicken or Fish dishes at GlenMyu Estate. This is because we are limited on what good produce we can source locally.
A goose, turkey, ham or beef would be an exorbitant price as it is mainly imported.

We don’t see the benefit of serving ingredients that guests can buy better quality at home. They can ensure it is organic and costs a reasonable price. This is also the reason why we recommend that guests bring some wine with them. Sri Lanka doesn’t produce wine and therefore it is an expensive import.

At GlenMyu Estate we are getting a reputation for our Roast Chicken Dinner.
This is especially enjoyed by British Expats who reside in Sri Lanka.

I guess what we will serve will be a variation of this dish with some additional festive trimmings.

We were able to source Christmas Crackers and we can play some Christmas Tunes so there will be some feeling of the festive season in the tropics.

A European Christmas in Sri Lanka - The 24th or 25th December?

One of our German neighbours advised that Christmas is celebrated on the 24th December by both Germans and Scandinavians.

We had only experienced a Christmas in the UK where it is celebrated on the 25th December.

As we have guests on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it looks like we will be celebrating twice.

I must admit I won’t mind – two Christmas Dinners in two days for me!
It looks like I will be swimming twice a day in the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate to burn off those extra calories!

A plant based Christmas?

Our food menu at GlenMyu Estate is mainly Plant Based as we can source good ingredients to make these dishes locally.

As mentioned we do serve some fish and chicken dishes too.

Ru has been researching Plant Based Festive Dishes. We would hope to be in a position to offer this to guests for Christmas 2024.

I’m looking forward to being the test dummy for the dishes (looks like more lengths in the swimming pool for me).

A European Christmas in Sri Lanka - an update will follow.

When the event has conclude, I will provide a pictorial update on what we did for our European Christmas in Sri Lanka.

I will also let you know what Ru served to our guests for their Christmas Dinner.

In the meantime, we at GlenMyu Estate, wish you the compliments of the season.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the Festive Season.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

A European Christmas in Sri Lanka. Read More »

5 reasons Trying New Food is the Best part of Travelling

Cookery Courses, Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

5 reasons Trying New Food is the Best part of Travelling.

5 reasons trying new food is the best part of travelling.

We all love traveling. There’s so many good elements to that two-week break and it’s good for your heart and soul.
Some of the benefits are:

Sight-seeing
Meeting new people
Exploring new places.
Getting away from everyday life at home.
Resting and reenergising.

and let’s not forget about the endless amounts of Instagram posts.

But the best part of all is the food.

Different countries of the world have so many new flavours and dishes that you would not come across at home. It’s unlikely that you would try these dishes at home and travelling gives you the inspiration to get out of your comfort zone.

It’s probably not the main thing that you research before you go on holiday and the beauty is getting out of your comfort zone a trying new tastes.

We find that our guests at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka are really open to trying new dishes that Ru serves. The delight and discussion about the new flavours are music to our ears.

Here are why we think that food is the best aspect of traveling.

1. You Discover Foods You Have NotTried Before.

There are so many dishes in other countries that you would never try if you do not traveled outside you own country. And my what would you have missed if you didn’t sample some of these amazing flavours!

Traveling somewhere new provides you with the opportunity to opens your eyes and your taste buds to a new world of flavour.

In Sri Lanka, even eating local Mangos, Papaya and Avocados (which have not done those food miles) are a discovery. At GlenMyu Estate we have experienced guests’ joy at eating something that tasted different in their home country.

Fresh coconut juice from a King Coconut is delicious and good for you.

Sri Lankan food is favoured with lots of different spices that are grown on the island. If you pop into a supermarket you will see that there is only a limited range of groceries on offer.

As a result Sri Lankans use very little processed food and favour locally grown fresh ingredients.

Even on a small island like Sri Lanka, there are regional variations of the way food in prepared, the ingredients used and how it is served. So on your holiday in Sri Lanka you will experience different flavours around as you travel.

2. You Will Experience Foods You Eat at Home in a New Way.

While you will discover completely new foods when you visit a foreign country, you will also be able to try food you’ve eaten many times before at home. However, you will probably discover a completely new flavour in it.

There’s nothing like eating pizza or pasta in Italy. Or they say that Guinness tastes different in Ireland.

It makes sense that when foodstuff has to travel it will lose its’ freshness. Some food is sprayed with chemicals to preserve it or make sure it does not ripen quickly before it ends up on the supermarket shelves.

Foods local in other countries have so much more flavour because they are authentic and have not been adjusted for a foreign market. They are also fresher and the cooks and chefs are used to preparing dishes with the locally grown ingredients.

3. A Country’s Food Tells You So Much About Their Culture.

Your guide book will give you an insight into the local culture, however, getting into a kitchen or sampling local food will tell you much more.

We have lots of guests that visit GlenMyu Estate that have seen cows in fields and on the roads as they have travelled around the island.

They are surprised when we tell them that Sri Lanka was not historically a culture that used milk. You can imagine, if a farmer milked a cow, years ago they had no way of keeping it cool in the tropics.

So butter, milk and cheese are not products that are used in many of the local recipes. Coconut milk and coconut oil is used in most dishes. Coconuts are grown all over the island and in many home gardens. You will be surprised on how many coconuts a tree will deliver to a family during the year.

Our informal Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration.

One way of getting to understand the culture is to take part in a local cooking course when you are in Sri Lanka.

We at GlenMyu Estate, offer an informal cookery demonstration when guests order our Sri Lankan Sharing Platter. Ru’s mother, who has at least 50 years experience in the kitchen, loves sharing the intricacies of her version of Sri Lankan cooking.

There are many regional variations in cooking styles on this small island. Ru’s mum is from the Matara district and the way she cooks is a reflection of that if the south coast.

4. Food Brings People Closer Together.

We have three bedrooms at GlenMyu Estate. Sometimes all three rooms are booked by one party. Eating their meal together as a group allows the guests to bond and have a shared experience.

At other times the rooms are booked by individual parties who are exploring the island. We are delighted when these guests experience new food and tastes with others around the table, especially when they are ecstatic about what they have sampled. It’s also a chance to share their views on the travel around the island and their plans after leaving GlenMyu Estate.

The community feeling and bond creates from this shared experience is one that we treasure. We think that it really adds value to the travel experience around Sri Lanka.

Food is also a good conversation opener for people that have met for the first time.

We have seen friendships created, contact details swapped and photos shared.

5. You Benefit From Discovering New Flavours and Dishes to try at Home.

Going to a new country and trying new dishes and experiencing new flavours means you get to come home with so many ideas to try in your own kitchen.

Of course, the ingredients that you will be able to buy at home may have travelled a bit, so it may not taste exactly like that when on holiday.

But at least it will provide you with a taste of your holiday and bring back memories of what a wonderful time you had.

We have been amazed and delighted that several of our guests have tried our recipes at home. There was a Norwegian couple that sent us a picture of the family trying their version of Ru’s mums Aubergine curry.

A German lady sent us photos of her Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers which she made in Berlin.

We also had a Polish couple who had some fast food restaurants in Poland stay with us at GlenMyu Estate. They worked out that they could get substitute ingredients for the coconut symbol that they eat here and would add it to their restaurant menu.

Ru likes to share her recipes and ho they are cooked. We have a YouTube Channel “Ru’s Recipes” which will we add content to over time to show you how to make the food you enjoyed at GlenMyu Estate.

5 reasons Trying New Food is the Best part of Travelling - Summary

You Discover Foods You Have NotTried Before.
You Will Experience Foods You Eat at Home in a New Way.
A Country’s Food Tells You So Much About Their Culture.
Food Brings People Closer Together.
You Benefit From Discovering New Flavours and Dishes to try at Home.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate, try new food and take part in our cookery demo.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country gives you the opportunity to sample a variety of local and fusion cuisine.

We are developing a good reputation for our food (read our guest reviews) and guests enjoy the variety of dishes we offer.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

5 reasons Trying New Food is the Best part of Travelling Read More »

A Plant Based Festive Season

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

A plant based festive season.

The festive season is coming. I thought I would compile a few ideas for a plant based festive season and menu for Christmas.

I have scoured the internet to find recipes and videos that may be of interest.

We are not plant based at GlenMyu Estate.....but...

At GlenMyu Estate we offer chicken and fish options alongside or plant based options.

You can see our food menu by clicking this link.

At the estate,we intend to increase our plant based offering over time as we get a reputation for this style of cuisine. In order to satisfy our guests we still offer non-plant based option. Our philosophy is that all are welcome whatever our guests’ food preferences.

We will try to provide the best meals we can from the ingredients we can source locally.

Hopefully, as we develop our menu, GlenMyu Estate will be a must place to stay on holiday in Sri Lanka, partially for our plant based menu.

In our experience, we do find that, even if our guests have not tasted plant based options before, they tend to order our vegetarian and vegan options once they have sampled some of Ru’s dishes.

We cannot get all the ingredients in Sri Lanka.

Although we do manage to source some fantastic ingredients at GlenMyu Estate, we cannot get some of the ingredients that are required for the recipes so we cannot try them all for ourself.

This is where, although we live on a paradise island, there are reasons to be jealous of you living in the western world where you can go out and pick up a bottle of soya or oat milk from your local supermarket.

Here are the recipes that I have found that make my mouth water.

Hopefully you will try some of them and have a delicious plant based festive season!

1. Plant Based Festive Appetisers and Canapes

2.Starters for a Plant Based Festive Season

3.Plant Based Festive Mains

4. Plant Based Festive Desserts

6. Vegan Festive Treats.

5. What to do with Plant Based Festive Leftovers.

No leftovers at Glenmyu Estate!

We have no problems disposing of leftovers at GlenMyu Estate whether it is the during the festive season, plant base for not!

In no particular order leftovers are happily received by:

The Dogs (we have too many!)

Our Chickens

Our Ducks

Our Cow

And if we actually manage to satisfy the appetites of our animals the remainder can find its home in our compost!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and try our plant based menu..

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country. We will offer some plant based festive offerings and will try some of these recipes (if we can source the ingredients).

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

A Plant Based Festive Season Read More »

My wife likes to experiment… with food.

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

My wife likes to experiment… with food.

My wife likes to experiment …with food. Fortunately there is lots of inspiration to create new dishes in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Moving to the Sri Lankan Hill country provided lots of opportunities for my wife to experiment with food.

GlenMyu Estate was completed during the glacial pandemic. At that time there was a limited amount of produce coming to the hill country.

The supermarkets in Sri Lanka don’t have a wide range of groceries. Especially compared to what you get in the western world.

You can still but some unhealthy ultra processed goods. However, you do not get the variety on the shelves. For example, we only have two variations of bacon; streaky and back, (and only a couple of different brands).

So, having lived in Sri Lanka for the last seven years we are used to having little choice. We have to be a bit creative with what we can get and grow.

The peak effect of the financial crisis in Sri Lanka between March 2022 and November 2022. This resulted in some of our supermarket shelves being empty of certain goods. We managed without butter on several occasions and ether was also shortages of milk.

Our tastes have changed

At first I missed the variety of produce which was on our doorstep in London. It’s amazing how quickly you wean yourself off of salamis, french cheeses and cadburys chocolate. I do still like to eat these items every so often. But now, I mainly wait until my annual trip back to the UK.

We experiment with what we can grow

My wife loves cooking and I am confident enough to say that she has a real love and flair for it. Having learnt to cook in the UK (she raves about Delia Smith) and completing a short Corden Bleu course in London, Ru is really good. Our guests love the dishes that she serves and the reviews of GlenMyu Estate regularly rave the food.

GlenMyu Estate is a five acre property in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

The main property hosts three guest bedrooms in the bed and breakfast part of our offering.

We are slowly developing the estate into an organic garden and fruit forest.

Our organic vegetable garden is operating well. We are still working out how to improve our production so we can serve more of our home grown produce to our guests.

We still support good local suppliers for the produce that we cannot grow. It is important that we support the local business community, people and suppliers.

My wife has been experimenting with food that we grow

We are lucky to live on a paradise island. Fortunately, we can get great produce that has not travelled many food miles. The fruits and vegetables that we cannot grow don’t have to come too far.

Although we are not near the coast, fish is brought up fishmongers to the Hill Country.

It came take as little as three hours and therefore we can get fresh fish daily.
Fish is an important part of many Sri Lankans’ diets.

Experimenting with food. Moving towards a plant based diet.

Living with animals (we have a cow, lots of ducks and chickens) we are eating more of a plant based diet. Unlike the UK, we are not confident of the animal husbandry in Sri Lanka. We now prefer to eat more fruit and vegetable based meals.

Historically, Sri Lankans mainly ate a vegetarian or vegan diet as that was the main produce available.
This makes it easy to eat a plant-based diet in Sri Lanka.

It’s healthy and good for the planet so we have no reluctance to change our diet.
I might even lose a few pounds which would make my wife very happy!

No need to fight against the tide.

It makes sense for my wife to experiment with the foodstuffs that are easy to source. There is no point us trying to source expensive steak from Australia to serve to our guests. Especially when they can get one for half the price back at home.

As we have no control over the suppliers of pork, chicken and other meats we think there is no point in pushing to find a supplier.

Our guests have been delighted with what we serve and lots of them select our plant based dishes once they have tried Ru’s cooking.

What does my wife experiment with?

At the present time she is concocting and experimenting with dishes using soya as a base.

Making our own soya milk has been quite easy.

Soya ice cream will be perfected to give our vegan clients another dessert alternative to sorbet and coconut cake.

Filling Sri Lankan roast paan with a soya and other flavours is another offering that we will provide to our guests in the future.

Using jackfruit in dishes is a staple for Sri Lankans.
Jackfruit was in the headlines as a vegan superfood around five yeas ago.

We are fortunate to have several Jackfruit trees growing in the garden. They are different varieties and we use them in curries, for our pulled jackfruit burger and the jackfruit nuts are used as a savoury snack (great with beer or a G&T!).

My wife will continue experimenting with food.

Ru really enjoying trying different dishes.
She used some of our neighbours as Guinea Pigs.
They don’t mind as I am normally the first taster before it is adjusted prior to our neighbours getting to sample the new dishes.

Keep an eye on our menu

If you are interested in what my wife is experimenting with please have a look at our food menu from time to time.

I’m happy that my wife likes to experiment.

It’s great that my wife has the inspiration in the Sri Lankan hill country to experiment and try to create new dishes.

And I don’t mind sampling the food that she comes up with.

So, I hope that she continues to experiment with different foods for a long time in the future.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample Ru's new dishes.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate is a unique experience and you can sample Ru’s new dishes.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

My wife likes to experiment… with food. Read More »

Avocados - picked in season at GlenMyu Estate

New vegan Menu

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

New Vegan menu.

We have just launched our new Vegan menu at GlenMyu Estate. Ru delivers a variety of Sri Lankan and fusion dishes which you will love.

What's in our New Vegan menu?

Let’s start with Breakfast. We always want our guests to have a great start to the day. Our breakfast is quite substantial and really set you up for a day of exploring in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

We offer Bed and Breakfast at GlenMyu Estate and therefore your breakfast is included in your booking cost on Booking.com or Airbnb.

Kola Kanda is a really health porridge like drink made from healthy leaves from the estate.

We also offer some Sri Lankan offerings such as Hoppers and String Hoppers with a little twist.

We have some Avocado trees at the estate and they fruit a couple of times a year. Avocado is only available when the fruits are in season. Hopefully you will be here when our delicious Avocados have just been picked from the tree.

Vegan Soups and Salads.

We try to source as much of our ingredients from our organic garden at GlenMyu Estate.

It’s also important that we support local businesses and suppliers. Therefore, we do source some ingredients from outside the estate. For example, Mushrooms are supplied by a regular supplier located near Bandarawella.

We cannot guarantee that these items are organic as we do not have control over their growing processes.

Guests enjoy accompanying Ru when she picks items from the garden that are used in the dishes she serves.

Vegan Main dishes.

As mentioned we have a great supplier for mushrooms from Bandarawela. We love the Spiced Grilled Mushrooms in cashew sauce. (we can adjust the level of spice to suit your palette.)

Sri Lankan Roast Paan is a perfect bread for dipping into the cashew sauce.

We also love the homemade Roast Pumpkin Ravioli.

Here is a video from Ru’s recipes where she is making the ravioli.

The Vegan Burger

What I love about our Vegan Burger is that the Jackfruit we use is picked from the trees on the side of the lawn in front of the house.
It is truly food to fork and almost no food miles.

Ru makes the buns freshly at GlenMyu Estate and the salad is picked from the garden. (normally served with chunky chips, not potatoes as shown in this photo).

Sri Lankan offerings - well you are on the island.

Since you are on holiday in Sri Lanka it is important that you sample the local cuisine.

We are fully aware that some guests prefer to eat without lots of chilli and pepper. As we lived in the UK for many years we do understand the Western palette and can adjust the dishes to you preferences.

Sharing plates and a cookery demonstration.

Our Sharing Plates are an experience that both Vegans and Non Vegans enjoy. The kaleidoscope of flavours tasted in the array of dishes is wonderful.

Ru’s mum is the chef for these dishes – she does have around 60 years experience so we bow to her knowledge and skills!

What is life without dessert? Vegan

You are on holiday so something sweet after the meal is okay. The good thing about staying at GlenMyu Estate is that you can swim some lengths in our swimming pool to burn off your dessert.

Sorbets, fresh fruits, rice pudding and ice cream are all there on our new Vegan menu to finish off your meal.

Please note that the prices quoted are at November 2023.

These prices are subject to change. Please click on the link to our Menus on our website for current menu pricing.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and taste our New Vegan Menu.

When you are travelling around Sri Lanka and are looking for some really great tasting Vegan food then GlenMyu Estate is a great option.

Near to many great tourist sights such as Lipton’s Seat, Horton Plains, Diyaluma Waterfall and also the busy tourist town of Ella. You can explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and come back to the tranquility of the five acre estate at GlenMyu to relax and have some good food.

Visit our website to see more information about GlenMyu Estate.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.

New vegan Menu Read More »

Vegan Recipes our Guests Love

Cookery Courses, Organic, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan / By Mikeez

Vegan Recipes at GlenMyu Estate

At GlenMyu Estate we have adapted our menus to reflect our guests tastes and requirements. We have been surprised and delighted that we have had so many guests that are Vegan since we opened in late 2022. Our guests enjoy the Vegan recipes that Ru cooks for them and here are some Vegan Recipes that our guests love.

Why Vegan?

Well, I guess we have to move with the times. In order to care for the planet, use locally produced ingredients and change to a more healthy lifestyle is reason enough.

We don’t profess to be a Vegan venue and will always cater for the range of guests that visit GlenMyu Estate, however, we have found that there is a growing demand for Vegetarian or Vegan food.

It’s amazing that, when we have a pair of guests, one Vegan or Vegetarian and one that eats meat, after sampling the Vegan or Vegetarian food that we serve then often the request is for non meat from then on.

Another reason for concentrating on Vegan and Vegetarian food is that we grow organic produce at the 5 acre estate and we like to serve food with ingredients that is as fresh and tasty as we can.
We don’t have the ability to serve everything we need from the garden however it is important to us to support local producers and help the local economy.

Other options are available!

We still serve fish or chicken if our guests request this. As we are and Island surrounded by water it would be wrong for us not to offer a seafood option.

Our aim at GlenMyu Estate.

Our aim however, if we can make it economically viable is to mainly cater to Vegan and Vegetarian clients in the future. We would hope that our non vegetarian guests would be happy to forego meat as the food is so tasty. So, I guess that it is over to you! If we have mainly Vegan or Vegetarian guests and can make it work we will be able to achieve our aim.

Nevertheless, we aim to make GlenMyu Estate the go-to place in Sri Lanka for fabulous Vegan and Vegetarian food.

Great ingredients in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a country that is abundant in vegetables, fresh fruits, herbs and spices. That is why Sri Lanka is a great destination choice for Vegans and Vegetarians. Rice and Curry is a staple meal in Sri Lanka.

There are many variations of Sri Lankan Vegetable curry and the ingredients will vary from house to house, restaurant to restaurant and hotel to hotel.

We provide garden tours at GlenMyu Estate so you can see where the ingredients is sourced from.

There are some classic Sri Lankan recipes that you will find on your travels around the Island. You will find that there may be slight differences to recipes and tastes around the country. I have found that Parripu (Dhal Curry/Red Lentil Curry) changes in density and taste depending upon who makes the curry and what additional ingredients they use.

Varieties of Rice

In Sri Lanka there is a large variety of types of rice which also changes the taste of your meal. Back in the UK we would normally buy Basmati Rice, Long Grain or Brown Rice (or Arborio when making Risotto).

In Sri Lanka you will come across healthy Red Rice, Rose Rice and White Rice in most shops.

Varieties include:

Suwendel.
Kuruluthuda wee.
Madathawalu.
Sulai.
Murungakayan.
Pachaperumal.

Each type of rice brings a different texture and taste to your dish.

You can read more about the different types of rice in Sri Lanka in the following link.

Guest favourites at GlenMyu Estate Hotel

Here are some of the Vegan recipes that our guests love at GlenMyu Estate.

Ru keeps experimenting with new recipes from ingredients grown on the 5 acre estate so there will be more exciting meals to sample in the future at GlenMyu Estate.

Sri Lankan Vegetarian Sharing Platter

Although this meal is called Vegetarian, it is actually Vegan.

This is the most popular choice for our guests that stay with us at GlenMyu Estate, whether they are Vegan, Vegetarian or meat eaters.

Ru’s mother is the main chef preparing this meal and she regularly does a complimentary cooking demonstration which our guests love. Some even get involved on the cooking themselves.

The Sri Lankan sharing platter dishes vary depending upon what ingredients are available from the garden and to purchase from local suppliers.

Normally it would include one or two types of Jackfruit curry, Aubergine (Eggplant) curry, Banana curry, Kohlu (a lentil curry), Mallum and a fish tasting salad.

The platter is normally served with Parathas which are wonderful for dipping into the different dishes and soaking up the gravy.

Complimentary Cooking Demonstration.

A guest cooking with Ru’s mother.

Find our more about a stay at GlenMyu Estate Hotel

We are listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.

See our Food menus.

Our food menus are regularly updated on our website.

Please visit our food menus at this link.

Mushrooms in Cashew Sauce

Another favourite dish which has a taste of this Tropical Island.

Abalone or Oyster mushrooms (whatever is available locally and fresh) in a creamy cashew sauce served with green beans and a fresh side salad.

Breads are also served and a delicious soaked in the cashew sauce ensuring the cleanest of plates.

Roasted Pumkin Ravioli.

Handmade Ravioli stuffed with roasted pumpkin served with tile bread and red pepper salsa.

Ru is happy to show you how she makes the Ravioli from scratch.

Ru Making pasta at GlenMyu Estate.
Please subscribe to her channel Ru’s Recipes for more videos and YouTube Shorts.

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Macaroni serves with Cashew Cheese.

Mushroom Risotto

A classic mushroom risotto.

Pulled Jackfruit Burger.

Jackfruit harvested from the garden in a Barbecue Sauce served with chunky chips and fresh crispy salad.

The chips will be made with potato or sweet potato depending upon what is available.

Soups, Soups, Soups

Although we are on a Tropical Island sometimes there is nothing better than a hearty soup.

The temperatures in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka get cooler in the evenings and therefore a warming soup accompanied;anied with freshly made bread is a really comforting light evening meal.

Our favourites are:

Carrot & Ginger – a touch of ginger really adds to that warming taste.

Roasted Pumpkin – we love pumpkin. When it is roasted and blended it makes a delicious soup.

Leek and Potato – another homey staple that is a simple winner with our guests.

We have Vegan Desserts too!

Sometimes you just need sweetness to finish a delicious meal.

Fresh Fruits with Vegan Ice Cream – A simply classical dessert.

Pineapple and Cinnamon Sorbet – Locally sourced Pineapple and Cinnamon from the garden at GlenMyu Estate.

Baked Banana, Banana Sorbet topped with Caramelised Cashew Nuts – naughty be soo, so nice.

Rice pudding with freshly cut oranges – Mandarin oranges sourced from our garden.

We are listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.

Read our reviews - see what our guests think of our food.

Our guests love the food that we serve. Please see our reviews on Booking.Com, Airbnb, Google and TripAdvisor.

Homemade breakfast with freshly baked bread and jam every day in addition to fresh fruit and local specialities. The dinners are simply fantastic and made with love from mostly local ingredients

Food: ....THE FOOD!! Ruwanthi and her mother's cooking is beyond delicious, the best food I've ever had? I think so yes!

The food is exceptional, with products directly grown in the garden.

Vegan Recipes our Guests Love Read More »

Free Cooking Classes

Cookery Courses, Ru's Recipes / By Mikeez

Beragala – Haputale – Sri Lanka

Cooking Classes

Beragala - Haputale

Sri Lanka

At GlenMyu Estate, Hotel many of our guests are really interested in Sri Lankan cooking classes.

Learn to cook a Sri Lankan meal at home from our informal cooking classes and demonstrations at GlenMyu Estate.

Cooking Sri Lankan food as well as the ability to prepare a few dishes to an excellent standard.

The free cooking demonstrations are conducted at GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

You can take notes or get involved yourself

The class is provided free on request if you are staying at GlenMyu Estate.

During the ad-hoc cooking lessons you will be able to get busy in the kitchen alongside Ruwanthi, her mother and the staff.

Cooking classes - Western and Fusion Dishes too!

Ru also makes a variety of Western and Fusion dishes for our guests.

Here are some photos when Ru was making Pumpkin Ravioli.

A selection of the dishes that Ru cooks for our guests.

Find out more and cooking classes.

To arrange a stay at GlenMyu Estate and learn more about how Ru prepares the dishes and cooking classes please contact us for rates.

Call us on 0752999272 or send Michael an email at michael@resortglenmyu.com.

Ru's recipes on YouTube

We will be launching Ru’s recipes on YouTube.

Please subscribe so you don’t miss the videos as they are released.

More about GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate – Summary

3 Kingsize Double Bedrooms with Spectacular Views

2 Spacious Lounges with views over the hills below the house

A Natural Spring-Fed Infinity Swimming Pool

5 Acres of land to explore

Delicious bespoke meals freshly prepared by the host

A selection of places to dine

A place to relax and be closer to nature

Within reach of the following tourist sites

Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Pools

Horton Plains National Park – Mini Worlds End, Worlds End and Bakers Falls

Adisham Bungalow

Lipton Seat

Dambetenna Tea Factory

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Thangamale Bird Sanctuary

Ella Town

9 Arch Bridge

Little Adams Peak

Ravanna Waterfall

Free Cooking Classes Read More »

Our First Birthday!

Cookery Courses / By Mikeez

Our First Birthday!

We are new however we were not celebrating our first birthday – we were celebrating the first birthday at GlenMyu Estate of one of our guests.

We opened our business in 2021, however, not many people were travelling during that year due to the global pandemic.

Sri Lanka imposed several lockdowns and then inter provincial travel bans during 2021 and therefore we had a slow start to our business.

We used the opportunity to test and fine tune the house and the menu so we did use the time well.

We also were able to spend more time landscaping the gardens and providing more places for our guests to explore.

Steps were made down to the waterfall at the bottom of the land and, although the last part is still a little tricky, many of our guests have really enjoyed this experience.

The inter-provincial lockdown was lifted in November 2021 and the Island saw an increase in foreign tourists from December 2021 forwards.

A great start to 2022

We appear to have been “found” in 2022 and we have had a steady stream of guests since the start of the year

The 2nd March 2022 - our first Birthday Celebration

We had new guests arrive on the 2nd March and we discovered that it was Chloe’s birthday that day.

Chloe and her partner had decided that they wanted to stay in a nice place for her birthday and she had searched for a long time before coming across GlenMyu Estate and making the booking.

We were delighted and honoured that Chloe had chosen our place to celebrate.

When we showed them their room and around the property they remarked that they has made a good choice which was very satisfying for Ruwanthi and I.

With no prior notice of a birthday Ruwanthi did her miracle and made a cake for the guests to celebrate Chloe’s birthday.

Our Informal Cookery Course

Shortly after confirming her booking Chloe had asked whether she could learn some Sri Lankan cookery which we were happy to oblige.

You have to work for your own dinner

Getting involved in cooking at Glenmyu Estate includes Ruwanthi taking you a tour of our vegetable garden and picking some of the ingredients that will make up that evenings dinner.

Ruwanthi’s mother is our in-house expert on Sri Lankan cooking and she takes charge of the kitchen and explains the process as she prepares and cooks the food.

Ruwanthi translates her mothers commentary into English and the other staff at the Estate are there to help the preparation and clean the dishes and kitchen as the lesson is in progress so there are lots of people involved.

It’s like a TV cookery demonstration with all the aromas and sounds

Our guests really enjoyed the cookery demonstration and took lots of notes whilst savouring the smells and tastes as the dishes were being prepared.

The good thing about Sri Lankan cooking is that a majority of the ingredients would be available in supermarkets in our guests home cities and therefore there is no excuse on trying the dishes at home.

The Cake

Here is the last minute cake that Ruwanthi prepared for Chloe

The cake was delicious and a great end to a fantastic meal.

A Special Birthday Venue?

As we celebrated with Chloe, I remembered our favourite restaurant in London, the Oslo Court in St Johns Wood https://oslocourtrestaurant.co.uk.

The restaurant is old fashioned and has a really unique ambience to it. We loved the food. We loved the service. The staff were great.

Whenever we dined at the restaurant there were always several birthdays taking place. There were repeated rounds of the diners singing “Happy Birthday” to the individual celebrating their special day, whether at their table or another, known or unknown. A good time was had by all.

I wonder whether GlenMyu Estate will become a special place to celebrate a birthday in the future.

If you are looking to celebrate your birthday at GlenMyu Estate, it would be great to know in advance so we can make it special for you.

https://resortglenmyu.comPlease click on the following link for our contact details .

Our First Birthday! Read More »

Cooking Sri Lankan Style

Cookery Courses, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

Cooking Sri Lankan Style

Opportunities to take part in a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration at GlenMyu Resort, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

We have had many guests that visit GlenMyu Estate who are really interested in Sri Lankan Cooking.

For some, their visit to this Paradise Island is their first taste of the local cuisine.

Similar other countries there are delicate differences between how food is prepared and the ingredients used around the Island.

Feeling, hot , hot, hot!

The level of heat is something that visitors have to get used to.

Even asking for no or only a little black pepper and chilli pepper is something that is interpreted in different ways.

The consequences of this is that some food is overtaken by the spice and you really don’t get to savour the best of Sri Lankan cooking.

Sri Lankans generally expect that you will have chilli in your meal even, if you ask for none to be added.

Expectations and unexpected results

An example of the expectation of my own was in our early holidays to the Island an elderly aunt of my wife would regularly make tea for us.

Unlike in the UK, I always have Plain Tea (black tea without milk) as Sri Lanka is known for the quality of the tea and I really enjoy the flavours here.

I also have not had sugar in my tea since I was around 16 years old.

I would always ask for Plain Tea with no sugar.

I always received Plain Tea with sugar.

The elderly aunt did understand enough English to know how I liked my tea.

After several days of sugary tea, I asked my wife to tell the elderly aunt that I did not want sugar in my tea.

The elderly aunt shook her head and advised that she understood my request, however, “how can you drink tea without sugar?!!!”

Building a tolerance level.

Being from the West, but married to a Sri Lankan, my tolerance for chilli has been watched up over the years. However, I am normally the taster in the kitchen and the barometer of what is likely to be acceptable to a Western palette, and what will having them running for glasses of water to cool them down.

An interest in Sri Lankan Cooking

Often guests have wanted to know more about how dishes are made and what ingredients the food is made from.

Ruwanthi has regularly had guests in the kitchen and given them an outline of how the dishes are made.

Last week Ruwanthi had guests using the pestle and mortar to grind the ingredients for Lunumiris – a spicy Sri Lankan samba paste which is served as a condiment. The dish consists of chilli pepper, shallots, Maldivian fish, sea salt, black pepper and lime juice.

Pick the ingredients and learn how to cook by my mother-in-law

Today we had a couple from Europe who had extended their two night stay to three and they had also really enjoyed the food that we had provided.

They were really interested in Sri Lankan cooking and wanted to be able to replicate some of the dishes when they got home.

Our guest really enjoyed the experience of being part of the team making the dishes and she took plenty of notes as illustrated in the pictures below.