I don’t usually review different outlets of a chain, but my review of Hard Rock Café Penang is old and not very detailed, so thought I would do this as an update of sorts.
The Melaka branch has been around a while; 9 years, in fact. It feels to me pretty much like a fixture at the bridge end of Jonker Walk, as it has been around longer than me, and it’s probably not going anywhere soon, due to its popularity with tourists and affluent locals alike.
It’s the same blend of dark decor and memorabilia from various artists over the last 60 years as the Penang one, though here it has a good view over the river. There’s also a shop if you want to pick up souvenir glasses or T shirts. Staff were really easy going, which was pleasant, but did mean a wrong drink was served, and one meal was delivered about half an hour after the rest!
On to the food, which is broadly in the American style, with a cheeky bit of British influence in the form of fish and chips. This was bass, which was apparently a little bland, but came in a good batter. The chips – which actually came with every meal – were fat, made with skins on, and lightly salted and peppered, so had a lot of flavour. There was also a little coleslaw which needed more mayo, plus some tartare sauce.
Traditional BBQ chicken was a little dry possibly due to its size, and didn’t have enough BBQ sauce (though what there was was tasted nice, as the eaters wanted more). This had the chips, the same coleslaw, and a portion of baked beans.
The burgers, on the other hand, were very good. Veggie patty was savoury and smoky, and had salad, cheese, and an onion ring, in a slightly sweet buttery bun. The chips on the side had a spicy thousand island sauce to dip in, too.
Legendary burger came with gravy rather than steak sauce – perhaps it wasn’t thickened properly. Wife thought the meat was good and well seasoned, and it went well with the turkey bacon, cheese, onion ring, and salad in the same bun as mine.
Kids’ meals of tomato pasta and grilled chicken with broccoli were polished off very quickly. Ubiquitous chips were served here, in case you were worried the kids’ meals were too healthy, just a bit later on.
We all liked the experience, particularly the children, even those that would have preferred slightly better meals. My main reservation in recommending the place is the price. Very expensive at about double what you would pay for a high end burger in KL, though we all left very full. Not somewhere to go often. I suppose they have to pay for the Beatles memorabilia somehow!
Address: 28 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Telephone: 062925188
Website: https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/melaka/
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