Journey Insights

Discovering a Midweek Surprise in Ella

When you think of Ella, Sri Lanka, your mind probably jumps straight to lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and serene waterfalls. At least, that’s what I expected when I arrived in this sleepy hill country town. What I didn’t anticipate was stumbling into one of the liveliest midweek gatherings I’ve ever experienced—the Tuesday Tacos, Beer & Wine Party at Cafe One Love.

Now, let me set the scene for you. Imagine walking along the main street in Ella just as the evening light begins to fade. The shops are closing one by one, but there’s this buzz in the air—laughter, clinking glasses, a faint beat of reggae music carried on the cool mountain breeze. And right there, tucked among the guesthouses and boutiques, is a place that seems to hum with its own heartbeat: Cafe One Love.

A Place That Feels Alive

From the moment I stepped inside, I felt as if I’d wandered into a traveller’s daydream. The space was glowing with warm fairy lights strung between wooden beams. Bright tapestries, mismatched chairs, and murals splashed with colour gave it that unpolished, bohemian charm that instantly makes you feel at home.

Everyone was smiling—staff, locals, travellers—there was no divide here, just a shared sense of belonging. I found myself a corner spot, but it wasn’t long before I was coaxed into mingling. That’s the thing about Cafe One Love: it doesn’t let you sit in silence for long.

And then, the smell hit me. Fresh tortillas warming on the grill, spices dancing through the air, limes being sliced with that sharp citrus zing. Tuesday nights here aren’t just about food—they’re a celebration.

Tacos with a Sri Lankan Twist

Let’s talk about the food, because honestly, the tacos deserve their own spotlight. These weren’t your average run-of-the-mill tacos. The chefs at Cafe One Love clearly had fun blending traditional Mexican flavours with Sri Lankan flair.

The first one I tried was packed with grilled chicken marinated in island spices, topped with a crunchy slaw that had just the right amount of chilli kick. Then came the vegetarian option—beans, roasted pumpkin, and a dollop of creamy curd instead of sour cream. It was hearty, earthy, and deliciously different.

And because I have no self-control when it comes to food, I couldn’t resist the seafood taco. Freshly caught fish, lightly battered, paired with tangy salsa that tasted like sunshine in a bite. Honestly, every taco told a little story—about the land, the sea, and the creativity of the kitchen.

More Than Just Beer and Wine

Now, you can’t have a proper taco party without drinks, right? Cafe One Love didn’t disappoint. The menu promised a good mix of beers and wines, and they delivered. I started with a crisp local beer—light, refreshing, perfect with the spice of the chicken taco. Then I moved on to a glass of white wine, which paired beautifully with the seafood.

But here’s where the evening really surprised me. The bartenders clearly enjoyed showing off their mixology skills, and before I knew it, someone had placed a brightly coloured cocktail in my hand. “Try this,” they said with a grin. It was a margarita, but with a tropical twist—pineapple, a splash of passionfruit, and that salted rim that makes you instantly crave another sip.

Every glass seemed to come with a story or a smile, and that’s what made it so much more than just a drinks menu.

Music That Gets Under Your Skin

If food and drink set the stage, the music was what truly carried the night. The beats weren’t blasting—they flowed, pulling you in without overwhelming conversation. Think reggae, a touch of Afrobeat, and some familiar classics remixed in a way that made you want to sway in your seat.

As the night deepened, the energy shifted. A local band stepped in with drums, guitars, and voices that seemed to echo off the hills themselves. Suddenly, people were up from their chairs, gathering near the stage, moving without hesitation.

I couldn’t help it—I joined in. The floor wasn’t polished or fancy, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was the rhythm, the laughter, and the sheer joy of dancing with strangers who, for one night, felt like family.

Dancing Until Midnight

By the time midnight crept up, I had completely lost track of time. The music hadn’t slowed, and neither had the laughter. I found myself barefoot, dancing with a group of travellers I’d met just an hour earlier, my glass refilled every time I turned around.

There was no pretence here—no need to be cool, no need to know the steps. Just movement, freedom, and the kind of joy that only comes when you give yourself over to the moment.

Why This Night Stood Out

So why am I writing about a Tuesday night in Ella when I could be telling you about waterfalls or hikes? Because this experience showed me a different side of travel. It wasn’t about ticking off sights or chasing Instagram-worthy views. It was about connection—to people, to music, to flavours, and to the simple joy of being present.

Cafe One Love didn’t just serve tacos, beer, and wine that night. They created a space where strangers became friends, where a small mountain town felt like the centre of the world, if only for a few hours.