Special thanks to Hard Rock Hotel for extending this food review invitation.
The newly renovated Hard Rock Cafe in Hard Rock Hotel Penang officially reopened on 14 June 2019. Though I missed the grand reopening, I have the pleasure of checking out the new décor today.
The new design gives the restaurant a touch of modernity while still evoking rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia from the 1950s. Wood plays a key element in the new ambience. Suspended above the stage, the alluring fiber optic chandelier remains the centerpiece of this popular restaurant.
Moving upstairs, the mezzanine floor features a long countertop along its curved edge. This allows patrons to overlook the musical performance on stage while dining. As for larger parties, dome-shaped dining booths allows diners to socialize in a casual setting.
Beverages are no trivial matter at Hard Rock Cafe. This is evidenced by not one, but two slick-looking bars – one for each level. Like before, the beverage menu covers a wide range of cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and liquors.
Of course, the most iconic aspect of Hard Rock Cafe is the collection of musical memorabilia on display. The collection takes up residence for several years before being swapped for a new batch.
Given the fact that Hard Rock Cafe has been given an extensive makeover, it seems sensible to revamp the food menu too. During July and August 2019, the restaurant is rolling out Chicken Mandi (RM40.00). Originating in Yemen, this poultry dish has become the standard-bearer for Arabian cuisine.
Basmati rice is cooked with stock and spices, culminating in extremely savory flavors. The dish comes with tandoori chicken (half bird), which is nicely marinated with pungent herbs and roasted to perfection. The meal comes with salata hara (Arabian tomato salsa) on the side. Spicy and savory condiments are provided.
As for drinks, what’s my poison today? Rock House Rum Punch (RM48.00) is a new rum-based cocktail on the revised beverage menu. This delightful drink is concocted from Bacardi Superior white rum, Captain Morgan dark rum and a blend of tropical fruit juices. The glass is garnished on the rim with an orange wedge and edible flowers.
During Rock Hours (11:30am-6:00pm), diners enjoy “Buy 1 Free 1” on selected drinks. As for entertainment, a 7-piece band performs every evening from 10:15pm (10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays) to closing. Hotel guests can also enjoy live music from the comfort of their own rooms.
Name: Hard Rock Cafe
Address: Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-886-8050
Business hours: 11:30am-2:00am (Sunday-Thursday), 11:30am-2:30am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: https://penang.hardrockhotels.net/dining-nightlife/hard-rock-cafe-penang
Coordinates: 5.46745 N, 100.24176 E
Directions: From Tanjung Bungah, travel west towards Batu Ferringhi. Hard Rock Hotel is approximately 6 kilometers from Tanjung Bungah’s floating mosque, located on the right of the road. Hard Rock Cafe is located on the Ground Floor, with a separate entrance to the right of the hotel lobby. There are parking spaces in front of the hotel.
