Vegetarian

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

Inspired by Raymond Blanc

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.

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.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc Read More »

Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

Free cookery demonstration for our Sri Lankan food

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.

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.

Free cookery demonstration for our Sri Lankan food Read More »

Fusion food at GlenMyu Estate

Best food in Sri Lanka

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.

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.

Best food in Sri Lanka Read More »

Cooking on gas

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food

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's mum coking
Amma's Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration.

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.

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.

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food Read More »

Vegan desserts - Cinnamon and Pineapple Sorbet

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka

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.

Vegan desserts - Cinnamon and Pineapple Sorbet

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. 

A plant based cake - Bibbikan
Bibbikan - Sri Lankan Coconut Cake

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.

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.

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka Read More »

Great for Vegans - a Jackfruit Burger

The Best Places to Eat in Haputale, Sri Lanka

The Best Places to Eat in Haputale, Sri Lanka.

The Best Places to Eat in Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Where are the best places to eat on holiday in Sri Lanka when you are visiting Haputale?

Here are the best ones we could find.

As you are driving around Haputale, towards Beragala or Ella, you will see lots of signs for the Olive brand.

Olive appears to have tied up lots of the best spots in the area and they feature on our list.

We also have added Katu-K Roast Paan Cafe, which has recently opened.

Just look out for the bullock cart in front of a row of traditional shops on the road from Haputale to Beragala.

Our top four places to eat in and around Haputale.

Clearly these places are our favourites. 

New places will open as the area provides more cafes and restaurants for hungry tourists and local Sri Lankans.

1. Katu-Ke Roast Paan Cafe

It’s new and the food is great.

When you are travelling from Beragala Junction you can’t miss a statue of a Bullock Cart on the left. It’s just over one kilometre from Beragala Junction on the A16.

Katu-Ke Cafe is one of the shops in the row behind the cart.

There is seating and shade which you may need on a good day.

The food is delicious and if you are on your way from Beragala towards Haputale it is worth stopping.

They even bake baguettes to order for collection at the cafe on the weekend. You will need to pre-order by contacting the cafe in advance. You can message them through their links on Instagram or call them on 00 94 (0) 750317373

Some of what Katu-Ke Cafe has to offer.

Katur-Ke Cafe is between Beragala and Haputale.

If you are heading towards Ella, Nuwara Eliya or Haputale it is easy to stop off as there is parking by the side of the road.

It’s also handy if you need something to eat after returning from Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

2. Olive Viewpoint

The first of the Olive brand on our list.

Olives brand is the dominant present in Haputale and it’s surroundings.

The food is pretty consistent in any of their outlets and they have some great spots with wonderful views.

Olive Viewpoint is outside Haputale on the way towards Beragala on the A16.

It has a great view towards the south of the country over age tea estates. 

Find Olive Viewpoint here.

Travelling from Haputale town towards Beragala you will find Olive Viewpoint on the left hand side of the road.

3. Olives Lettuce & Cabbage

Olives Lettuce and Cabbage is on the road from Haputale Railway Station.

It has a great view of the railway line and the hustle and bustle of Haputale.

This place is very convenient if you are really hungry after you get off the train. 

It has a license so you can have a drink with your meal.

Find Lettuce & Cabbage here.

As you exit the train station at Haputale, walk towards the railway crossing.

Before you reach there you will se a row of shops on the left hand side. Look up, and you will see the Lettuce & Cabbage signboard.

4. Olives City Centre

Olives City Centre (spelt Center) is located on the main Haputale Road. 

It is a modern looking building and has a good view of the hills below.

The Best Places to Eat in Haputale, Sri Lanka Read More »

Chef puppet

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef

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

A chef cutting

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.

Ru & her mum preparing the ingredients for our informal cookery class.

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 »

Chefs knife skills

BBC Masterchef Winner 2024 – Brin Pirathapan

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!

A chef cutting

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.

Ru & her mum preparing the ingredients for our informal cookery class.
A guest enjoying the cookery demonstration by Ru's mother.

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

Freshly Baked Bread in the Morning

Freshly Baked Bread in the morning.

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.

Freshly Baked Bread 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.

Breads, tea and coffee

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.

Roast Paan
A roast paan sandwich
Eat a healthy breakfast

Baguettes

Although we are limited on the varieties of flour that we can purchase in Sri Lanka we do make a good quality baguette.

A selection soft breads and a hopper

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.

Buns and our version of Brioche

Rolls and rolls

We make a variety of rolls for breakfast, some with wholemeal flour, some mixed or white baps.

Breads

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.

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 »

Making pasta at GlenMyu Estate

Read our food reviews

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.

Some of the homemade food we serve at GlenMyu Estate

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.

Cooking Classes
Ru & her mum preparing the ingredients for our informal cookery class.
Amma's Sri Lankan sharing platter.

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.

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.

Cooking Classes
Ru and Mike

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

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. 

BBC Masterchef - select your channel

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

The chef makes the dish beautiful
Great knife skills in the kitchen

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

Cooking on gas

Dhayanie ‘Dee’ Williams was first, Sri Lankan female contestant at MasterChef Australia, 

Making fresh pasta
Plating up the dishes

Kumar Pereira made it to the top 12 of MasterChef Australia season 3,.

A chef plating up

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.

A chef cutting

Malin De Silva was a semi-finalist in the 2019 series of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals

Kitchen

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.

Cooking Classes

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 »

What's your New Year's resolution?

We are excited – Veganuary 2024 is here.

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:

  1. Help protect the environment.
  2. Prevent animal suffering.
  3. 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 »

Amma's Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

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 »

Veganuary is Coming!

Veganuary is Coming!

Veganuary is Coming!

The launch of the registration for Veganuary 2024 opened on the 7th December 2023.
Are you going to join in?

Perhaps you have your Christmas dinner and are working your way through those turkey sandwiches? Meat, meat and more meat is one of my recollections of the festive period.

I used to get to the stage where I didn’t really want anymore and I was feeling quite unhealthy.
My thoughts turned to healthy vegetables and salads to get my body back in balance.

However, living in the UK, the range of vegetables around the winter period were mainly heavy root vegetables. Some I like and some I don’t. Although I know they are good for you, just ask my wife my reluctance to allow beetroot, cauliflower or cabbage anywhere near my mouth. (apart from coleslaw of course!).

The temporary enthusiasm for a more vegetarian diet quickly disappeared from my mind.

That was then and this is now.

If I was still living in the UK life would be a little different.

The choice of vegan, vegetarian and plant based restaurants to eat was not there when I left seven years ago.
Supermarkets now have a large rang of plant based meals on offer made by good producers such as Bosh.
There are cookbooks such as:
Anything You Can Cook, I Can Cook Vegan by Richard Makin
Plant-Based India by Dr Sheil Shukla
Whole Food Cooking Every Day by Amy Chaplin
East by Meera Sodha
The New Vegetarian Cooking For Everyone by Deborah Madison
Mildred’s Vegan Cookbook

Flavour by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage

If celebrity chefs are in the bandwagon then......

It was a little bit of a surprise that Gordon Ramsay was cooking vegan dishes. I guess he has to cater for everyone in his restaurant empire!

Here is Jamie Oliver with just some of the plant based recipes for some British classic dishes.

An easy change to a more weighted plant based diet in Sri Lanka.

When we started GlenMyu Estate we quickly realised that the good quality ingredients that we sourced were much more suited to a vegetarian or vegan menu.
My wide also loves to experiment with the produce we can source and try different types of dishes.

It’s easy to mainly eat a plant based diet as there are many dishes that are mainly made from a vegetarian base. 

I do still eat some fish and chicken however, if I have the option I will opt for mushrooms, tofu or our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Veganuary is coming! It's easier at GlenMyu Estate!

So, it’s easy at GlenMyu Estate to join in with Veganuary.

The dishes are delicious and varied. being in the tropics, we have a wider variety of fruits, vegetables and spices available to make the dishes at this time on year.

Veganuary is coming. Dip your toes in!

If you are nervous about trying some plant based food then we would welcome you to book a stay at GlenMyu Estate and try some of the dishes that Ru and the team makes. 
You may find this a pleasant surprise!

Try our Vegan food when you stay at GlenMyu Estate.

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.