Vegetarian Archives

A Plant-Based Birthday Celebration at GlenMyu Estate

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

A Plant-Based Birthday Celebration at GlenMyu Estate

More of our guests are choosing to opt for plant-based diets.

Lots of travellers are stay at GlenMyu Estate to celebrate wedding anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons among other special moments in their lives.

A Surprise Stay in the Sri Lankan Hills

GlenMyu Estate recently hosted a special plant-based birthday celebration.

A returning couple chose our estate for this joyful occasion.

The birthday girl was surprised with a stay at GlenMyu Estate.
She follows a plant-based diet and was delighted by the thoughtful gesture.

What a wonderful and thoughtful boyfriend she has!

A Homemade Plant-Based Birthday Cake

Ru and the team created a delicious plant-based chocolate cake.

Ingredients included cacao, flour, dates, banana and Kithul treacle.

Cashew icing added a creamy finish to the cake.

Edible flowers from our garden decorated the cake beautifully.

Breakfast with a Plant-Based Twist

In Sri Lanka, milk rice is served at special occasions like birthdays, weddings, New Year, or moving into a new house.

Known as Kiribath, it is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from rice. It is prepared by cooking rice with coconut milk, hence this name.

Here is the Kiribath that we served to our guests for the birthday breakfast.

We decorated the milk rice with some Kithul Jaggery, which is made from the sap harvested from the Fishtail Palm or the Jaggery Palm.

Our guests enjoyed a hearty plant-based breakfast.

Homemade bread and jams were served with cashew butter.

We make freshly basked bread for our guests daily.

Sri Lankan Hoppers came with mushrooms and tofu scramble.

Fresh coconut sambol and onion sambol added flavour.

Sweet Treats to Remember

Desserts were a highlight of the celebration.

Coconut cake (Bibbikan) was served with coconut vanilla ice cream.
Cinnamon and pineapple sorbet offered a refreshing option.
Cashew cheesecake was another favourite among the guests.

Of course, the birthday cake was dessert for their special meal on the evening of the birthday.

Rice and Curry Made with Love

Our plant-based rice and curries are a guest favourite.

Ru’s mum prepares these meals with care and tradition.

We use ingredients from our estate and local suppliers.
This ensures freshness and supports the local community.

Ru’s mother hosts a Sri Lankan cookery demonstration when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Why Choose GlenMyu Estate for Your Holiday

GlenMyu Estate is nestled in the lush hills of Sri Lanka.

We offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views and nature.

Guests can enjoy plant-based meals and fusion dishes.

Our menu is available to view at www.resortglenmyu.com.

Support Local Life and Biodiversity

Your stay helps support local employment and living standards.

We create an environment that encourages biodiversity on our five-acre estate.

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

Book GlenMyu Estate Directly for the Best Rates

To secure the best rates, contact us directly via WhatsApp.

Message us on +94 752 999 272 to plan your stay.

We look forward to welcoming you to GlenMyu Estate, whether you are celebrating a plant-based birthday or other special occasion.

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.

A Plant-Based Birthday Celebration at GlenMyu Estate Read More »

You need a holiday

Food and Drink, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

You need a holiday

Why you need a holiday now and a stay at GlenMyu Estate is ideal for you to recharge.

Life has a way of pulling us into the relentless cycle of work, responsibilities, and routine.

We push forward, ticking off tasks, meeting deadlines, and barely pausing to reflect.
But at some point, the mind craves stillness, the body longs for relaxation, and the soul needs something new—something inspiring.

This is why you need a holiday now.

An inspiring retreat in Sri Lanka

A proper getaway isn’t just about escaping; it’s about resetting.

Imagine stepping away from your usual surroundings and embracing nature, luxury, and tranquility all in one place.

GlenMyu Boutique Villa in Sri Lanka offers just that—a retreat designed for deep relaxation, reinvigoration, and creative inspiration

Appreciating nature

Nestled in the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, this haven balances elegance and homely comfort.

Here, you’ll wake up to breathtaking landscapes, savour delicious meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and enjoy the serenity of a natural spring-fed pool.

Nurture your body and mind

If you’ve been feeling drained, GlenMyu can be the antidote—a place where time slows down, stress dissolves, and new ideas emerge.

Whether it’s gazing at misty hills, taking mindful walks through nature, or simply embracing the peaceful atmosphere, this escape nurtures both body and mind.

More than just a stay

More than just a holiday, GlenMyu is an experience of rejuvenation.

You return home not only rested but transformed—recharged with fresh perspectives, energized for new pursuits, and inspired by the simplicity and beauty of life.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and re-energise in 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.

You need a holiday Read More »

Hotels for seven people in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Holiday, Reviews from our guests, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Hotels for seven people in Sri Lanka

Hotels for seven people in Sri Lanka

At GlenMyu Estate we can accommodate seven guests.

We have two double bedrooms and one triple bedroom.

It’s a great opportunity to have the five acre estate exclusively for use for your family and friends.

Three bedrooms

We have one triple bedroom and two doubles.

In the lounge we also have sofa bed, so we can squeeze in another couple or some children if required.

The Mango and Mahogany bedrooms are on one floor connected by a communal lounge.

Our Cinnamon bedroom is on the lower floor and has some outside space.

All our bedrooms have their own private bathrooms.

The Mango bedroom is very popular with honeymooners or couples celebrating their anniversary.

The bathroom has a fabulous view of the hills towards the south of the country.

It comes with a spacious shower and a bath.

Some guests enjoy a bath looking out of the window at the stars.

The Mahogany bedroom is a triple with a king-size bed and a separate single bed.

They have fabulous views and the bathroom also has a bath similar to the Mango bedroom.

It’s a great space for a family with a child or if you just want the largest bedroom we have in the property.

The Cinnamon bedroom is on the lower floor of the house.

The bathroom has a shower, but no bath. However, this bedroom has a nice outside sitting space where you can enjoy your morning tea of coffee taking in the view.

There is a pathway from the room that takes you to a small lawn and then onto the swimming pool.

All our bedrooms have comfortable Sri Lankan made mattresses, overhead fan and seating.

There is no need for air-conditioning in the Sri Lankan hills. We provide duvets on the beds as it can be a little cooler at night.

Lounges to relax in

We believe in comfortable chairs!

It’s important to us that you can relax and enjoy the fabulous views of the Sri Lankan countryside. We have chairs and sofas on both floors which are comfortable and allow you to enjoy the landscape.

Swim surrounded by nature

Our swimming pool is one of our favourite places on the estate. Filled with spring water and no chlorine, it is an experience swimming surrounded by nature.

We have sun loungers so that you can spend more time in this amazing space.

Oh, and the food!

Food is another important part of the experience at GlenMyu Estate.

We source the best local ingredients that we can find. Our menu is mainly plant based with some fish and chicken options.

Read our food reviews and see what our other guests say about what they eat at GlenMyu Estate.

Contact us by WhatsApp for our best direct rates

We offer great rates for guests that book directly.

WhatsApp + 94 752999272

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.

Hotels for seven people in 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 »

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 »

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 »

The Best Places to Eat in Haputale, Sri Lanka

Food and Drink, Holiday, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

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 »

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 »

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 »

Veganuary is Coming!

Food and Drink, Holiday, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

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.

Veganuary is Coming! 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 »

A view from the lawn of the the house at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

5 things I love about gardening.

Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Travel, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

5 things I love about gardening.

5 things I love about gardening.

From London banker to unpaid gardener in Sri Lanka.

The money is lousy but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

When I moved to Sri Lanka, I did not envisage ending up changing my office job for one outdoors.

A career banker, based in and around London, I had no idea where I would end up.
My destination was working for free on the 5 acre estate in Sri Lanka that we have developed into GlenMyu.

I had little experience as a gardener in London. Why would I when the only outside space was a small terrace? There was very little room to plant anything at all!
I had little idea also that I would end up having a love for gardening and don’t find it like work at all.

1. Things I love about gardening- Gardening is my form of meditation.

I get lost in my thoughts as I use my brush cutter keeping the pathways and lawn in good shape.

It’s amazing how calming and relaxing it is. I do make sure that I am alert enough not to have an accident though, so it’s not like I’m in a trance.

Maybe the hum from my brush cutter through the ear plugs I use gives a sense of comfort.

Trying to get the grass as even I as I can do, on the hill country slopes, is my continuous focus.

I don’t practice meditation, however, this is the closest I get. I love it!

2. Making the GlenMyu Estate garden look good, makes me feel good!

I take a lot of pride in my work and try to make the grounds as attractive as possible.

When guests say that the garden looks good, I feel good. Actually I feel great. It makes all my efforts worth it.

I say my efforts, however there is a team at GlenMyu Estate who all contribute to making the garden look good.

Ru is the designer of the garden (and most things) at GlenMyu Estate. Some of our daily workers are so adept at using the besom to sweep up the grass cuttings and leaves, I could never be as efficient or fast.

Doesn’t everyone like a pat on the back for the work that they have done?.

3. I get to feel closer to nature and I feel that I am improving the estate as a home for wildlife.

One of our aims at GlenMyu Estate is to restore the land from an abandoned tea estate to a home for wildlife. Encouraging biodiversity on the land which makes it a healthy place for plants and animals to visit and live.

GlenMyu Estate was part of a larger abandoned tea estate prior to being bought by my wife. It had also been a sugar cane estate which had failed when the government started to import sugar cane.

Over the years the land was overrun by Guinea Grass which was brought in during Colonial times as a fast growing cattle feed. This fast growing plant takes th light and nutrients from the endemic plants of Sri Lanka and dominates the landscape. It is not a good environment to welcome biodiversity.

Out with the old, in with the new. Things I Love aboutgardening

We have slowly removed the Guinea Grass over the years and replaced the plants with a fruit forest to feed us and the animals. Hundreds of endemic species have been planted and are starting to establish themselves on the five acre estate.

We regularly see dragon flies during the day, a variety of butterflies and some fireflies at night. This, we understand, shows that the land is healthy.

There are no chemicals or pesticides used at the estate and everything that we grow is organic.

4. Things I love about gardening -Getting to enjoy the fruits of my work.

It’s a pleasure walking around the garden on attractive paths and weed free borders.

The order calms the mind and allows me to concentrate on the nature that surrounds me.

Listening to the birdsong, watching the parrots flit from tree to tree and the Kingfisher fish in our stream.

The sound of the water softening any vehicle noise, the feel of the ground on my bare feet and playing with the dogs on the lawn.

A landscape that could be painted.

An inspiring landscape which brings out my hidden artistic side which was out of sight during my banking career.

One of the best things about GlenMyu Estate is our swimming pool.

The pool is fed by a natural spring and the only heating is from the daytime sun.
We don’t add chlorine to the water so I swim in a completely natural environment.

An evening swim is refreshing and eases the muscles that I have used during the day.

Finishing off the evening with a well deserved bottle of local Lion lager beer puts icing on the cake!

Our dogs turn up from time to time looking for a petting.
Maali our cow comes over and looks for her head to be patted. It’s as if she just wants me to remember she is around.

I sometimes have to chase the Eagles when it perches on branch eyeing our chickens and ducks.

Moving on the monkeys when they are trying to eat our Jackfruits, Mangos and Avocados when they are in season (don’t worry there is plenty for them to eat on the periphery of the estate).

There are lots that I love about gardening at GlenMyu Estate.

It's more than just cutting the lawn.

I don’t just cut the lawns and paths around the estate in my gardening duties.

Cutting and replanting coleus, cutting down fallen branches and general weeding is all part of my day in the garden.

It’s great to get variety in my day.

5 things I love about gardening - Summary

Gardening is my form of meditation.
Making the GlenMyu Estate garden look good, makes me feel good!
I get to feel closer to nature and I feel that I am improving the estate as a home for wildlife.
Getting to enjoy the fruits of my work.
The reward of a swim at the end of the day (and perhaps a Lion lager!).

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the gardens.

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.

5 things I love about gardening. Read More »

Ru' Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers with a twist.

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 »

Plan your meals. A healthy breakfast at GlenMyu Estate.

The Veganuary Story

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

The Veganuary Story

The premiere of the “The Veganuary Story” took place on Friday the 17th November 2023.

We watched the video and learnt a lot about where and when the idea for Veganuary came from.
It is amazing of how a an idea discussed at a kitchen table in Yorkshire, England has developed in a moment and an idea that such a large amount of the UK population knows about. Starting with around 3,300 participants in 2013 the numbers now are really phenomenal.

Now an international movement it was great to hear how strong Veganuary is in Germany. The US and South American is a vast market where the Veganuary team is making significant inroads.

Veganuary is supported by a range of well known Ambassadors including musician Sir Paul McCartney, wildlife presenter Chris Packham , Author and Poet Benjamin Zephaniah and Actor Evanna Lynch which helps highlight the cause.

We don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of this video and would recommend that you click on the video below to watch the program for yourself.

Watch the Veganuary Story - YouTube Video

We would also recommend that you subscribe to the Plant Based News You Tube channel as there was subsequently a question and answer session which I am unable to post on this article. There is also the Plant Based Website for more information.

GlenMyu Estate and our Veganuary Story

Like many other mentioned in this video we had an awareness of Veganuary. Well done to the Veganuary team!

Sri Lanka is an easy country to be a Vegan or Vegetarian as much of the local cuisine is plant based.

Having come to Sri Lanka from the UK we were more confident with the sources and quality of the the produce we eat there.
Also, eating meat was convenient, easy and affordable.

We were sceptical about the conditions and the treatment of animals here and we could not be sure that they were free range and organic. Our thoughts were not as a result of seeing evidence of bad practices ourselves and there may well be good organic producers that treat their animals well.

However, the simple solution to this was to reduce our meat, poultry and fish consumption and we moved naturally to a plant based diet.

Ru was able to experiment with the organic produce we grow at the estate. Over time, she has also developed contacts with good suppliers of mushrooms, vegetables (that we can’t grow) and fruits. And, actually Tofu can be delicious if it is cooked the right way.

After a while, we didn’t miss eating meat and really prefer to eat mainly a plant based diet.

One step at a time.

Ultimately, we would really like to only offer Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine.

Our plan is the fully establish the business, have enough guests write reviews about the Vegetarian and Vegan food we serve which will give us enough confidence to remove the fish and chicken items from our menu.

Until then we need to offer alternatives to our guests.

The good news is that when we serve our Vegetarian and Vegan options to our guests they are wowed and happy to choose their next meals from those menus.

Read our articles about our Vegan food and Veganuary.

Find out more about Veganuary

You can find out more about Veganuary and try some Vegan dishes yourself from the recipes on the Veganuary website.

Vegan Social Media Influencer in Sri Lanka.

Recently social media influencer Maya from @FitGreenMind visited Sri Lanka. She travelled around the island and found out more about Vegan cooking and the cuisine in Sri Lanka.

You can watch the interview by Good Life X here.

Holiday in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate.

Ideally located to take day trips to Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Upper Dityaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Horton Plain National Park and many more.

A luxury Bed & Breakfast with only three bedrooms with spectacular views of the Sri Lankan countryside.

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb however, please contact us directly by WhatsApp for our best direct rates. (WhatsApp 94 752 999 272).

The Veganuary Story 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 »

We are excited!

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

We are excited! The Veganuary Story - premiere 17th November.

We are excited and are looking forward to watching “The Veganuary Story” which is due to premiere on Friday the 17th November 2023.

At GlenMyu Estate, we have been supporting Veganuary in our own way since we opened our B & B in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Our menu has a specific Vegan menu which our Vegan and non Vegan love.

We are not totally Vegan and do offer, vegetarian, fish and chicken to our guests. In the future we hope to build a reputation for primarily Vegan and Vegetarian dishes.

It's easier to be Vegan in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan cuisine lends itself to Vegan options as lots of the dishes are vegetable based. Historically milk is not a big part of the Sri Lankan diet and many of the ice and curries are totally vegan. If you are Vegan and visiting Sri Lanka on holiday we recommend that you ask whether the dish is Vegan. Then check and ask again, because sometimes you need extra clarity here.

Find out more about Veganuary.

If you want to find out more about Veganuary please visit their website where you will find a some inspiration. There’s free, downloadable recipes which is a good start.

Eating guides and a blog will help you with your Vegan journey and give you some inspiration.

Celebrity recipes from stars including

Ambassadors for Veganuary include: musician Sir Paul McCartney, Wildlife TV Presenter Chris Packham, Author and Poet Benjamin Zephiniah, Actor Evanna Lynch, Comedian Sara Pascoe and many more.

A variety of Vegan offerings at GlenMyu Estate - not just rice and curry.

Ru, the owner of GlenMyu Estate lived in the UK for around fifteen years and has a love of cooking. We know that Vegan guests enjoy Sri Lankan food as they travel around and discover the island. However, a majority of dishes are rice and curry, which are great and there is variety to the ingredients which keeps the tastes interesting.

Ru offers a variety of Vegan dishes outside the usual rice and curry. Dishes could be considered fusion with a Sri Lankan twist.

Lots of the ingredients used are sourced either from our organic garden at GlenMyu Estate or from local suppliers.

Find out more about GlenMyu Estate. Sri Lanka.

If you are going on holiday to Sri Lanka and want to stay at a place that serves Vegan dishes please visit our website to find out more.

GlenMyu Estate is located near to Haputale which is convenient for visiting the wonderful sights in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

We are listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.
Please contact us by WhatsApp for our best direct deals (00 94 752 999 272).

What you will find at GlenMyu Estate.

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

We are excited! Read More »

World Vegan Day 1st November

Sri Lankan Cooking, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

World Vegan Day - 1st November

Celebrating World Vegan Day on the 1st November at GlenMyu Estate.

I was reminded to celebrate World Vegan Day in an email from Veganuary.

You may know that GlenMyu Estate takes part in Veganary annually where we aim to add something different to our menu.

You can read more about Veganuary at GlenMyu Estate in the following articles:

Launching our new Vegan Menu.

Veganuary 2023.

Vegan Recipes our guests love.

Looking forward to Veganuary 2024.

What is World Vegan Day?

World Vegan Day is a global event celebrated annually on 1 November. (n.b. the date/day in November has some variations in different countries).

People are encouraged to explore and embrace a vegan lifestyle.

This involves abstaining from the use of animal products for food, clothing, or any other purpose.

World Vegan Day provides an opportunity to educate the public about the benefits of Veganism.

It also raises awareness about animal rights, and also to promote sustainable and compassionate choices

When did World Vegan Day come about.

World Vegan Day was established by animal rights activist Louise Wallis, then Chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, in 1994.

It was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and the coining of the terms “vegan” and “veganism”.

Louis Wallis is the former president of the Vegan Society. She is a singer, DJ and animal rights activist.

You can read more about Louise in this interview on the Save a Scream website.

And now it's World Vegan Month!

The Vegan Society initially started with World Vegan Day in 1994. This was extended to World Vegan Week and then to World Vegan month.

You can read more about World Vegan month at the The Vegan Society website.

Vegan Food offered all year around.

At GlenMyu Estate we are aware that not all of our guests are Vegan and we do offer some fish and chicken dishes.

We think that the our guests are not ready for GlenMyu Estate to offer only vegetarian and vegan meals. Perhaps in the future, when we have further enhanced our reputation for great food, we will be able to change fully in future.

We have been surprised when we offer guests an alternative to fish, poultry or meat dishes, how much they enjoy them. The ingredients we use are fresh and local which we believe adds to the taste of the meals Ru serves to our guests. You can see Ru in action at our YouTube channel for GlenMyu Estate and also at Ru’s Recipes.

When is World Vegetarian Day?

I thought that there must also be a World Vegetarian Day if there is a World Vegan Day.

World Vegetarian Day takes place on

So what did we do?

We had one of our delicious Jackfruit Burgers with sweet potato fries and a salad for our lunch on World Vegan Day. It’s one of my favourites and a dish that our guests really enjoy.

We had one guest that had come with a friend to have a Roast Chicken Dinner with Yorkshire Puddings, Roast Potatoes and roasted vegetables. The friend was vegetarian and had our Vegan Burger for lunch. After having a taste of the Jackfruit burger the guest chose this as their main meal the following day.

It’s amazing how often we hear the words “You don’t need meat” or “I don’t miss meat” when our guests select dishes from our vegetarian and vegan menus.

The Jackfruit are picked from the trees that are next to the lawn at GlenMyu Estate.

Ru makes the burger buns freshly in the kitchen. The salads and leaves are mainly picked from the garden.

It doesn’t matter how large or small you celebrate or acknowledge World Vegan Day. Perhaps, just eating Vegan dishes on the day appears to be just a small effort. However, we feel that our responsibility is to encourage people to provide a Vegan option. If we provide the best Vegan food and dishes we can to show them how great the food can taste, maybe we will encourage the movement towards plant based meals which is at least better for the planet.

Find our more about a stay in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is ideally located to discover the sights in the Sri Lankan Hill Country such as Ella Town, Nine Arch Bridge, Lipton’s Seat, Horton Plains National Park, Upper Diyaluma, The Pekoe Trail Waterfall and many more.

We are a luxury boutique hotel with three guest bedrooms looking our towards the south coast of the country.

Read our reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Airbnb to see what our guests say about a stay at GlenMyu Estate.

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.

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