Author: Shehani
A Cuppa from Ceylon Above the Clouds
There are partnerships, and then there are partnerships. The bond between Emirates Airline and Dilmah Ceylon Tea is one such partnership that took off over three decades ago. Having served their first cup of Dilmah back in 1992, the multi-award-winning airline continues to serve a selection of twelve Dilmah favourites to their passengers, 33 years later – a time span that minnows even the iconic A380 aircraft’s mammoth wing span! With an average of 33 million cups of Dilmah tea being poured out across Emirates’ cabins and lounges in a year, it is beyond apparent that this partnership is built on a strong foundation of trust and understanding. Both Dilmah and Emirates are internationally appreciated brands that are determined to leave their consumers with a lingering taste of satisfaction. The mutual recognition and respect for each other’s shared values has enabled the establishment of a partnership that has overcome challenging phases over the years, including economic recessions and the recent COVID-19 pandemic which brought global travel to a standstill. From Emirates Group Head Quarters in Dubai, UAE to the Dilmah Tea Head Office in Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka, there is much admiration between the two companies for their shared philosophies. Product/service quality is of paramount importance to both, with Emirates determined to give its passengers a ‘Fly Better’ experience, and Dilmah – in late Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s words – set to ‘Make the World a Better Tea’. Likewise, both brands are heavily involved in giving back to the community, too, through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the MJF Charitable Foundation, respectively. It seems only fitting, therefore, that Dilmah has created a unique Emirates Signature Tea that culminates a long-standing bond between the two entities. The exclusive tea is served to the airline’s First Class passengers, and is a combination of Dombagastalawa Estate Ceylon FBOP1 tea with safflower and marigold flowers, scented with rose, ginger and almond. Whether you’re looking to wind down and catch up on some rest, or to reawaken your senses after a nap, the incredible aromatic combination is capable of both rejuvenation and relaxation. It is best enjoyed without milk or sugar, although it does pair well with the little sweet treats that Emirates’ hospitable crew might offer. This year (2025), in celebration of International Tea Day on 21st May, passengers travelling across all cabins on Emirates flights over 2.5 hours received a gift pack of three Dilmah Teas – Emirates Signature Tea, Moroccan Mint Green Tea and Black Tea with Strawberry. First and Business Class customers were also treated to specially-crafted Dilmah Tea-inspired mocktails and cocktails at Emirates Lounges internationally. It was a celebration not just of the finest tea in the world, but also of a fine partnership that has taken quality Ceylon tea and in-flight hospitality across borders, to newer and greater heights – literally and metaphorically. So, here’s raising a cuppa to a perfectly-brewed partnership between Emirates Airline and Dilmah Ceylon Tea, for many more decades to come!
A Cup of Kindness for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Dilmah is no stranger to sharing kindness for a worthy cause, particularly in relation to cancer care and treatment. At home in Sri Lanka, Dilmah has a close, long-standing association with Suwa Arana, the first-ever paediatric palliative care facility in Sri Lanka. As you might have seen in previous blog posts, Dilmah is also a supporter of the Government’s programme, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Colombo, to work towards eradicating cervical cancer from Sri Lanka by the year 2030. So, it was only natural for Dilmah to share this cup of kindness beyond Sri Lankan shores and try to help those affected by cancer in Australia as well. For the past 32 years, Cancer Council Australia has raised over AUD 200 million through its iconic Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT) community fundraiser programme. Over half-a-million Australians have partaken in this, by hosting and organising morning teas to raise funds for cancer research, detection, prevention, care and support. Considering that 1 in 2 Australians is affected by cancer in some way or form, the impact of ABMT is not only life-saving for patients, but also life-changing for their families. As of July 2025, Dilmah has joined hands with Cancer Council Australia in a five-year partnership to support ABMT. Dilmah Chairman Dilhan C. Fernando shared his thoughts on this, stating, “Our partnership with Cancer Council highlights Dilmah’s commitment to Australians impacted by cancer. Forty years ago, my father envisaged a business that serves humanity with kindness to people and nature. Today we strive to offer cups of kindness through our Dilmah tea.” In brewing this ‘cup of kindness’, the partnership directly reflects the philosophy of our late Founder Merrill J. Fernando that ‘business is a matter of human service’. It is also, in a sense, a token of appreciation to Dilmah’s Australian family – its consumers who embraced the brand since it was first introduced to the country in 1985. In fact, Australia was the first international market that enjoyed MJF’s beloved Single Origin Dilmah Ceylon Tea. For those impacted by cancer, every minute counts. For those doing research into cancer, every dollar counts. That is why we, at Dilmah, are determined to make every cuppa count. If you’re reading this from Australia (or have family and friends in Australia), visit https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/ to find out how you can support our collaborative effort in the fight against cancer.
POV: Moroccan Mint Green Tea in Your Drink
It’s rare to come across someone who doesn’t enjoy Moroccan Mint Green Tea – which is why we thought of sharing a few tea-inspired beverage recipes that use Dilmah Pure Ceylon Green Tea with Moroccan Mint as their base. There are countless ways in which to incorporate this refreshing tea into cocktails, mocktails, shakes, and so much more. Here are four recipes that we hope will add a bit of versatility and new perspective on how you can enjoy your Dilmah Moroccan Mint Green Tea. Do give them a shot, and share your experience with us in the comments. RECIPE 1: Cucumber and Moroccan Mint Ice Cubes (tea-inspired ice cubes) Use these sassy ice cubes to pep up any chilled tea, infusion or mild beverage of your choice. We think they’re a fabulous idea when hosting, too. What you need: How to prepare: RECIPE 2: Minty Turmeric Tea (tea-inspired immunity booster) Flu season seems to last all-year-round in this post-COVID era! It’s always a good idea to give your immunity a natural boost every now and then. Here’s something that could work well. What you need: How to prepare: RECIPE 3: Coconut Green Tea (tea-inspired tropical mocktail) Here’s a tropical temptation that we think would cool anyone down on a warm summer day. What you need: How to prepare: RECIPE 4: Moroccan Mint Tea Latte(tea-inspired gourmet mocktail) This one’s for those of you who like to be a little more adventurous in the kitchen – or rather, at the counter. What you need: How to prepare: There are plenty more Dilmah Moroccan Mint Green Tea and other tea-inspired recipes of varying complexity for you to try out at teasinspired.com. Dilmah Moroccan Mint Green Tea is available for purchase at Dilmah Tea Boutiques, t-Lounge by Dilmah outlets and at our online shop.
Jono and Ben Raise a (Golden) Cuppa to Sri Lanka
Jono and Ben are no strangers to radio and television audiences in New Zealand. Having been in the entertainment industry since 2012, the duo is known for their witty humour, and currently co-host The Hits Breakfast show on iHeart radio in New Zealand. Dilmah Ceylon Tea is no stranger to New Zealand households, either, with Dilmah teas and infusions being a favourite among Kiwi tea drinkers. So, it was the perfect collaboration between Jono and Ben, and Dilmah to endorse our beautiful little island as a must-visit destination for New Zealanders. Dilmah Chairman Dilhan C. Fernando and his son Amrit, the third generation in the family business, took great pleasure in keeping their two guests company and showing them how the legacy of their father/grandfather continue to live on through the brand. A glance through Jono and Ben’s Instagram reels gives an idea of how much they enjoyed Sri Lanka, and the many activities and attractions that the island has to offer. Of course, having Dilmah as their host only amped up the experience. The lads were given behind-the-scenes access to Dilmah Head Office operations, guided tours of Dilmah’s Dunkeld Tea Factory and luscious tea gardens (including a crash course in tea plucking!), and the opportunity to experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality at our spectacular Ceylon Tea Trails planters’ bungalows. From luxury in the hills to glamping at the edge of jungle-meets-beach, Jono and Ben were also treated to a stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Yala, where they came face-to-face with local wildlife at breathtakingly-close proximity – both on site as well as on safari at Yala National Park. The contrast between locations of the boutique properties in the hills and in Yala – all of which are owned and run by Resplendent Ceylon, MJF Group’s luxury hospitality arm – is a reflection of the versatility that Sri Lanka can offer within a few hours’ road travel. Jono and Ben also got to experience first-hand how Dilmah continues to imbue our beloved late Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s philosophy of “business is a matter of human service” through the MJF Charitable Foundation’s programmes for marginalised women, children, youth and communities. A visit to Dilmah Conservation’s Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe National Park proved to be another eye-opener as the duo got to witness how Dilmah contributes towards the well-being and preservation of nature as well. The most exciting aspect of all of this is that five pairs of Dilmah tea drinkers in New Zealand now stand a chance to win a trip to Sri Lanka and share in the same amazing experiences that Jono and Ben did. While at the Dilmah Head Office, the Kiwi lads slipped a couple of Golden Teabag Tickets into two boxes of Dilmah Ceylon Tea that were bound for retail outlets in New Zealand. In addition, Dilmah has put in three further Golden Teabag Tickets in tea packs that were New Zealand-bound. If you’re reading this from Kiwi-land, we strongly suggest that you head over to your nearest supermarket and stock up on some Dilmah Ceylon Tea. Who knows, you could be the next lucky winners to enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to our serendipitous island! While extending our thanks to Singapore Airlines, Resplendent Ceylon and The Hits Breakfast for their partnership, we would like to wish all our Dilmah friends in New Zealand the best of luck in their quest for the Golden Teabag Tickets! We look forward to welcoming you here in Sri Lanka!
Level One Levels Up at t-Lounge Horton Place
Anyone who’s been to t-Lounge by Dilmah at Horton Place once would almost certainly have made it a point to visit again. It’s homely, they plate up striking, delicious dishes (oh, those desserts!), pour out exquisite tea-inspired beverages, and – in modern-day jargon – it’s the vibe. Just when we thought they couldn’t possibly make it any better, they pushed things up a notch with a complete revamp of the upper floor. The new ‘do is all about charm sophistication and contemporary elegance. Together with the t-Lounge team, the visionary designers at PA Designs have transformed the entire level into a cocoon of laid-back luxury. There is much more to offer to patrons now, with each space and room being relaunched into more functional (and aesthetically enchanting) versions of their previous selves. As you walk in through the corridor atop the staircase, one might momentarily get the feel of walking through a wildlife sanctuary. However, a closer look reveals how the walls on either side have been used as a canvas to depict both significant and trivial aspects of Sri Lankan history, culture, architecture, nature and life. There’s much to observe and appreciate in this work of art, if you have a moment to spare. A seamless sage-matte gold combination forms the basis of the palette across the floor, with a pop of colour injected into the main lounge/dining space by means of the orange-cushioned couches. The dark mahogany tone incorporated through the door panels and furniture add a subtly weighted depth to the space. While the wall art here portrays playing cards with colonial-era characters, the Private Dining room’s art is more contemporary – and quirky even – in keeping with its décor and feel. This spacious enclosure can easily accommodate a party of 6-10 people. A space that is bound to chirp anyone up is the t-Studio Workshop Space / t-Bears Academy Activity Space. t-Lounge at Horton Place is known for hosting creative events such as paint-and-sip sessions for adults, and many fun and interesting activities and workshops for kids. This room, therefore, provides the perfect functional space for both adult and kiddie activities, alike. The tones of blue here soothe like a breath of fresh air, while the colourful pastels of the wallpaper and furniture instantly create the impression of a more fun and creative space. The Tea Maker’s Study co-working space means business with its more toned down, tan hues and boardroom-like furnishings. Of course, a little something off the t-Lounge food and beverage menu is all it would take to break the ice and turn any meeting – no matter how formal – into a fun and productive session. The wall art here is subtle and non-distracting, some of it a nod to our late Founder Merrill J. Fernando, the ‘Tea Maker’ after whom the room gets its name. As per t-Lounge’s socials, an exciting new menu has now been launched, too. If the recent relaunch at Horton Place is anything to go by, the menu makeover will definitely be something to look forward to, dive into and indulge in. All in all, the new vibe at t-Lounge by Dilmah at 100 Horton Place is next level. Do check it out! Contact the t-Lounge crew on 011 2670270 for reservations or to book a cozy space of your own for your next meeting or event. Follow @teatimerocks for the latest updates.
The Gift That Keeps on Brewing
Gifting can be a daunting task – you want to make it special, enjoyable and memorable for the recipient, but you can’t help but wonder if what you’ve picked ticks all the boxes. Which is why we at Dilmah come up with the most novel gifting ideas every now and then, giving you a vivid choice of tea gift packs that you could present to family and friends, both locally and abroad. Tea in itself is one of the healthiest beverages that one could enjoy, at any time of the day. If we look at it in a scientific sense, the nutritional benefits, antioxidant activity, benefits to oral health and contribution towards lowering the risk of non-communicable diseases are unparalleled in the world of beverages. On top of this, Dilmah offers a spectacular range of premium Ceylon teas, flavoured teas and infusions, which we have thoughtfully assorted into gift boxes of various quantities and appearances. There are packaging varieties to go with different occasions and seasons – Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Ramadan, Easter, spring, winter, something to say a little thank you, and something for just about any celebration under the sun. Dilmah also offers the unique option of personalising our Gentleman’s Tea gift pack, to add an element of splendour and surprise for the recipient. Should you wish to completely customise your gift, you could pick a trio of tin caddies from our multitude of t-Series varieties that come in both loose leaf and gourmet tea bag forms, and present them in our eye-catching gift boxes. If you’re looking for something a little more elegant and refined, we’ve got our very own wooden presenters, too, in which you could gift your selection of teas, as well as a collection of striking tin canisters with region-specific single origin teas that you can choose from. What’s more, Dilmah now also offers the Ceilão gift pack that has two of Sri Lanka’s most valued and beloved commodities – Ceylon tea and Ceylon cinnamon. A match made in heaven, to be enjoyed together or by themselves. In short, you’ll never find yourself short of gifting options with Dilmah. In fact, our online retail store and our tea boutiques and tea shops at t-Lounge by Dilmah outlets in Colombo will leave you nothing short of spoilt for choice.
Earl Grey – The Inspiration Behind a Beloved Brew
Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey from the House of Grey in England, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom between 1830-1834. It is widely believed that the Earl Grey tea enjoyed by many around the world is the namesake of this noble gentleman. As to how and why there came to be a tea named after him is not a definitively established fact. However, there are several theories that can be deemed as plausible reasoning behind the moniker. One theory is that the tea was presented to the Earl in 1803, by a Chinese mandarin (bureaucrat scholar) as a token of gratitude for the Lord Grey’s men saving the life of his drowning son. An alternative legend with a more political philosophy is that Earl Grey was gifted the tea as a diplomatic compensation for his role in ending the East India Company’s monopoly on trade between Britain and China. In another account, the Grey family claims that the brew was specially created by a Chinese mandarin for Lord Grey to counter the overbearing presence of lime (calcium oxide) in the water at Howick Hall, the family seat in Northumberland, England. Regardless of which theory or legend is true, we’re certainly glad that Earl Grey tea exists for our enjoyment, to date! So, what is in Earl Grey tea? Bergamot oil is the not-so-secret ingredient that makes Earl Grey tea what it is. It is derived from the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia), which is believed to be a hybrid between lemon and bitter orange. Predominantly native to the Mediterranean region – large-scale cultivation of the small-sized tree is found in the coastal province of Reggio di Calabria in Italy, and is also found in lesser volume in parts of Greece, Turkey, France, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Argentina, Brazil and some parts of South East Asia. The essence that is used in the production of Earl Grey tea is obtained from the peel of the bergamot fruit, which gives the resulting brew its unique citrusy-floral aroma and rejuvenating taste. In fact, so aromatic and charismatic is the essence that it is widely used in the production of perfumes, and is a key component of the original Eau de Cologne that was created by Johann Maria Farina in Germany in 1709. Bergamot essence is also frequently used in the making of Turkish delight. Dilmah’s Tributes to Earl Grey If you haven’t already tried any of Dilmah’s Earl Grey teas – bergamot infused into the finest Ceylon tea – then, right now’s the time to make it happen. There’s a variety to pick from, extending from our standard range to our more exquisite ranges such as Dilmah Exceptional, Dilmah Vivid, Dilmah YUM, Silver Jubilee, 85 Reserve, and The Teamaker’s Private Reserve. You’ve also got the options of standard tea bags, gourmet pyramid bags and loose-leaf tea, and a couple of Earl Grey with vanilla options to choose from. Find out more about these teas and place an order for your preferred Dilmah Earl Grey tea here.
What Does ‘Avurudu’ Mean to Us?
Avurudu (Puththandu in Tamil), the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year that is usually celebrated around the 13th and 14th of April, is one of the biggest festivals on the Sri Lankan calendar. While primarily celebrated by the Sinhalese Buddhist and Tamil Hindu communities, it is quite the norm for most Sri Lankans around the globe to join in the festivities. Even those who don’t follow the traditions of the festival partake in the fun and games, and most certainly enjoy the sweet treats of the season. In an astrological sense, Avurudu is the movement of the sun from the House of Pisces (Meena Rashiya) to the House of Aries (Mesha Rashiya). It also marks the end of the harvest season and of spring. The intermediary ‘neutral’ period, referred to as nonagathe in Sinhala, is somewhat of a ‘dead’ phase where people refrain from doing anything of significance. In a traditional sense, Avurudu is all about new beginnings, with most Buddhists and Hindus following strict auspicious times calculated by astrologers to celebrate the dawn of the new year, light the traditional oil lamp, boil milk, cook kiribath (milk rice), bathe, have their first meal, commence work in the new year, and so on. It’s a time to pursue new hopes and dreams, and to amend and make peace with anything that might have not gone too well in the old year. In a cultural sense, Avurudu is a time that brings all Sri Lankans of every race and religion together. Often, those who live away from their ancestral or parental homes return home to spend time with their family and friends. At these gatherings, old and young ones alike participate in various traditional Avurudu games that range from tug-of-war to sack races, kotta pora, pinning the eye on the elephant, lime-and-spoon races, bun-eating competitions and so much more. The implications of these activities go beyond simply having fun, for they nurture unity and relationships, giving everyone something to look forward to enjoying with one another. No celebration is complete without good food, and Sri Lankans certainly have a habit of going all-out to lay a spread of special (and indulgent) specialities that everyone instantly craves when they think of Avurudu. There’s the brand ambassador-like, unmissable trio of kavum, kokis and mung kavum, the pop-in-your-mouth-any-time milk toffee, coconut rock, semolina toffee and kiri aluwa, the demurely satisfying halapa and aggala, and the delightfully messy aasmi. The great news is that t-Lounge by Dilmah in Colombo is dishing out all these sweet treats this Avurudu season – as a Mini Kevili Plate of kavum, kokis and mung kavum to enjoy at any of the three outlets (Horton Place, Chatham Street, One Galle Face Mall), or in the form of Handy (Hurubuhuti) or Large (Dewantha) Kevili Hampers that contain all (yes, ALL) of the above-mentioned Avurudu treats. The hampers are great to serve at home or to gift, and need to be pre-ordered. Apart from these, t-Lounge by Dilmah has also got a few Avurudu-themed 1kg and bento cakes that are equally great to serve or to gift. Check out @teatimerocks on Instagram to make your pick! Of course, at Dilmah, no festivity would be complete without Ceylon’s finest tea. So, we’ve designed the most beautiful and intricate wooden box, inspired by traditional Sri Lankan woodwork, that we think would make the perfect gift for absolutely anyone this Avurudu season. It’s called the ‘Sri Lankan Woodcraft-inspired Dilmah 6-Slot Gift of Tea’ and can ideally hold six varieties of your favourite Dilmah teas and infusions. This, too, can be purchased exclusively at any of the above three t-Lounge by Dilmah outlets. On that note, we would like to wish all of our community – our extended Dilmah global family and friends – a happy and prosperous Sinhalese and Tamil New Year! සුබ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා! புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துகள்!