I’m done complaining about the first set of dishes we tried in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia back on our first day of travel. Thank goodness, our griping ended there. From the second day to the last, we met great-tasting food! Hard Rock Café located in the ground floor of Wisma Concorde (walking distance from Bukit Nanas Monorail Station) was one that got our base covered.

This “rock-and-roll” restaurant was recommended by our local tourist guide/driver and we could not thank him enough. We needed plenty supply of energy for our busy day exploring KL mostly by foot that day, and Hard Rock Café was perfect as it served us excellent Malaysian food without much gimmicks. There was no secret dungeon or basement and no guy wearing a mask inside. What we had were simply the best things about Malaysian food available as part of their regular menu. Yes, there’s authenticity present in all of it. 🙂 Know more below.

Review of Hard Rock Café (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Ambiance: ★★

I’ve read one blogger say that “just like McDonald’s and Burger King, Hard Rock Café is the same wherever you are in the world.” That part is exactly true. It’s good to see a similar relaxed ambiance and rustic theme of Hard Rock Café-Malaysia with those branches in the Philippines. To some degree, this made me feel at home while in a foreign country.

Records, memorabilia, signed CDs and posters of rock stars were displayed on the walls, easy to catch the eyes of customers. The bar setting, as well as the stage for the live band at the front, was especially nicely furnished. Football jerseys for the World Cup Season were hanged everywhere. Everything else spelled retro! They also have a small gift shop where Hard Rock fans can buy souvenirs.

All these make this restaurant a nice place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in KL. Despite expected large crowds nightly, I bet that Hard Rock Café can play host to the next great time you will hardly forget.

Service: ★★

Service was first class. The staff was very friendly, helpful, efficient and available at all times. He really focused on our every need. Response time of ordering and receiving said orders was quick.

Food: ★★

As a starter, the Tupelo Chicken Tenders (RM 22) may not be the sexiest on the menu, but you can’t go wrong ordering it. The dish consisted of boneless, seasoned and breaded chicken tenders, served with honey-mustard and hickory barbecue sauces on the side. Without adding the condiments though, the chicken would not be worth much of anything. So we went ahead and loaded it up with as many as we pleased. The result is what I call glorious messiness! 😛

The Grilled Chicken Quesadilla (RM 20) was made with grilled chicken and pineapple, tossed in tangy barbecue sauce with melted Jack cheese and stuffed in a chill-dusted tortilla. It was served with fresh guacamole, freshly made salsa and sour cream. This quesadilla was incredible. It was more like a large and soft taco from the griddle with a lot of melted cheese and rich flavor. You’ll be happy to take one, or several.

People often say that when in Malaysia, try the Nasi Goreng—and we did. Good lord, the Nasi Goreng (RM 25) was awesome! It consisted of delicious fried rice with prawn and vegetables topped with fried egg. Eat the chicken satay with prawn crackers, and you are in business. With a good contrast of textures and complementing flavors in one plate, Nasi Goreng is a dish you should not dare miss when in Hard Rock Café in Kuala Lumpur. 

Other Asian all-time favorites that looked good on the menu:

  • Seafood Char Kway Teow (RM 25) – stir-fried flat noodles tossed with bean sprouts, fish cake, egg, prawn, squid and a sweet and spicy soy sauce
  • Curry Laksa (RM 25) – a spicy curry coconut gravy served with yellow noodles, prawns, chicken, fried beancurd puff, bean sprouts, long beans, eggplant and boiled egg
  • Teriyaki Salmon (RM 43) – grilled salmon fillet glazed with teriyaki sauce served with rice and vegetables

Price for Value: ★★

Prices are high compared to other restaurants in KL. However, this is Hard Rock Café we’re talking about, so that’s acceptable. I’m not only rating the price for value solely on the food quality but on the totality of our dining experience. I enjoyed every bit of our time here. If money is not a problem, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Whether you want to get some snacks and drinks or are hungry for a full meal, there’s something for everyone. 🙂

Ground Floor, Wisma Concorde, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For inquiries, call +60 3-2715 5555
Date Published: 08/18/2014
19 / 20 stars

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Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.

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87 Responses

  1. anna

    The Quesadilla looks awesome !! Did you try the laksa ? Going to KL in September, might have to call in for a bite.

    Reply
  2. maria rona beltran

    i went to kl malaysia last year 🙂 how come i never heard of this place so i could have visited it? anyway when i return, i will definitely check this out

    Reply
  3. Fred

    Thanks for the recommendation. Good that they also have Malaysian food in their menu. Are those prices expensive? About how much is that nasi goreng in Peso?

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      They are considerably but reasonably expensive. The rate conversion we used was PhP 14.7 = 1 RM, so that nasi goreng cost us PhP 367.50 which is not bad at all. 🙂

      Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Yup, it’s coupled with the same lively atmosphere with great music and food. I’m glad we didn’t order the burgers and classic dishes available elsewhere and chose a dish that can well make us remember our trip in KL. 😀

      Reply
  4. Lorane Rhoden

    Its true … there is one in Jamaica and it looks exactly the same .. great post and great ambiance .. the fried rice with the egg on top looks great ** lunch option for today* 🙂

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      One could not help but enjoy the savory dishes. Almost everything printed on the menu seemed delicious, so the weight-watcher ladies and gents must take note. 😛

      Reply
  5. Khushboo

    The food looks so delicious. I love Hard Rock cage, it has great ambience, great music and some lip smacking food, too.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      It thought this restaurant would be touristy (and it is), but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the food here. Great atmosphere and servers are a plus. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Kaustav Banerjee

    Looks like a great place to me. Coz I am a hard core soccer fan and this place seems to be just the place hang out with a beer and some great snacks on a beautiful EPL evening.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      I’m sure you’ll have a great time dining here because we’re not even fans of any band of sports yet we liked Hard Rock. 🙂 If ever we fly to KL again, I would consider trying out other dishes from the same restaurant.

      Reply
  7. Karen of MrsLookingGood

    Happy to hear that you had a great experience at Hard Rock MY. Was surprised to hear that they have local cuisine offered in their menu. Is it the same in the Philippines?

    I remember hubby and I ate on our last day in Phuket at the Hard Rock restaurant there because he’s been craving for american food and all he had for one week is thai food.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      I don’t remember eating at any Hard Rock Cafe in the Philippines, but I’ll try it out soon for sure!

      It’s good to have a break on Thai food at least that one time. 😀

      Reply
  8. Kylie

    Although I’m in KL all the while but never step into Hard Rock Cafe KL… I think it’s time for me to plan for a meal there, after reading your post!

    Reply
  9. Top 20 Chinese Food In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Today In Malaysia

    […] Good lord, the Nasi Goreng (RM 25) was awesome! It consisted of delicious fried rice with prawn and vegetables topped with fried egg. Eat the chicken satay with prawn crackers, and you are in business. With a good contrast of textures and complementing flavors in one plate, Nasi Goreng is adish you should not dare miss when in Hard Rock Cafe in Kuala Lumpur. Other Asian all-time favorites that looked good on the menu: Seafood Char Kway Teow (RM 25) stir-fried flat noodles tossed with bean sprouts, fish cake, egg, prawn, squid and a sweet and spicy soy sauce Curry Laksa (RM 25) a spicy curry coconut gravy served with yellow noodles, prawns, chicken, fried beancurd puff, bean sprouts, long beans, eggplant and boiled egg Teriyaki Salmon (RM 43) grilled salmon fillet glazed with teriyaki sauce served with rice and vegetables Price for Value: Prices are high compared to other restaurants in KL. However, this is Hard Rock Cafe were talking about, so thats acceptable. Continue reading.. visit http://rochkirstin.com/review-of-hard-rock-cafe-kuala-lumpur-malaysia/ […]

    Reply
  10. papaleng

    The establishment interior is just so cool. A perfect place to hangout. Nasi Doreng, wow one of my fave foreign foodie. If ever I’ll visit Malaysia, I’ll see to it to pass by Hard Rock Cafe.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Whether you’re into the whole theme the Hard Rock has going on you can rest assured that whatever meal you order, it will be hearty. They don’t mess around with portions. Bring your appetite.

      Reply
  11. Hanniz

    Welcome to Malaysia! If you want local cuisine in a comfortable setting rather than outside at the hawker food stalls, try Madam Kwan’s at KLCC. If you want authentic Malaysian Chinese food at hawker stalls, try Jalan Alor after 9pm. The street is filled with vendors, you will have a hard time choosing what dishes you want to try! Hard Rock Cafe is known for it’s big portions and good quality service and food so you won’t go wrong eating there and dancing the night away 🙂

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      We have visited KLCC on our third day of travel but I can’t remember seeing Madam Kwan’s. Is it located in the food court area or is it a standalone restaurant on the fourth floor? Ugh, poor memory. 😛 We had planned to try the food stalls in Jalan Alor but the place was just too far from the hotel we stayed in. Oh well, probably we’ll have to arrange a visit next time. Thanks for all your suggestions! 😀

      Reply
  12. Phylicia Marie Pineda

    I’ve been to KL once before but we weren’t able to drop by Hard Rock Cafe there. I’ll make sure to put it as one of my go-tos the next time I find myself in KL.

    Reply
  13. Kyril Soul-X

    I’m a Malaysian and I’ve been to Hard Rock Cafe @ Kuala Lumpur as well… Yes the food is definitely delicious but the price is actually kinda overpriced

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Oh really? I think for us tourists, prices are okay because we don’t get to experience and eat the same food back in our home country. I just treated them as must-tries then and accepted the hefty price tag. Anyway, I’ll earn the money back as soon as I reach home but it will be hard to forego such dining experience and regret not having the food afterwards. 😀

      Reply
  14. Emma T

    I’ve never been to Hard Rock Cafe anywhere, but nice to see how it is different in Kuala Lumpur. Food looks delicious

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Yeah, I think it’s a must-stop at least once in Kuala Lumpur. This is the type of food establishment that provides a “rock” atmosphere that doesn’t charge an entrance fee. What I’m trying to say is that you don’t come here solely for the food.

      Reply
  15. Kath Rivera

    Almost perfect scores, I think you really enjoyed and had a blast there. I had been to Hard Rock (Makati) but that was years ago.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Haha. Some people include visiting all locations of Hard Rock Cafe into their bucket list. You might want to do the same and probably start with our very own Makati branch. 😉

      Reply
  16. mindy

    I always love Hard Rock Cafe! Btw, if you ever come to Indonesia try OUR nasi goreng! No offence to any Malaysian out there, but i believe our nasi goreng kicks their ass *LOL*. There is a song in Dutch dedicated to our nasi goreng and all…

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Oh yeah, I have to try Indonesia’s nasi goreng as well. I have been hearing nice reviews on the authentic Indo version, so I’ll take your word for it. Gosh, thinking about food all the more makes me want to go there! 😆

      Reply
  17. Tiffany Yong

    Haha… I was going to say you are over-charged for all the local hawker food you are getting at Hard Rock! But again, like you said, it’s a franchise, and people better get all the high level of service with the price they are paying!Nice food photos!

    Do contact me if you ever come to Singapore!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Haha I didn’t really think of the prices as exaggerated because we have similar range of cost of food here in the Philippines (we’re used to dining at restaurants like that). 🙂 Singapore is like my second home country already whaha but yeah sure, I can contact you when I go to SG once again. You might have recommended places I’ve never visited before.

      Reply
  18. Franc Ramon

    That’s a great idea by having Nasi Goreng in Hard Rock Malaysia. It looks really tasty and I like that their sunny side up is well done.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      HRC is popular for its burgers and the servings are humongous! Even as their menu expands to encompass both the best of local cuisines, they serve up the good stuff and count the burgers as their “forever gig.”

      Reply
  19. Rosey

    I’m positive my husband would enjoy the Nasi Goreng. Cool to see an inside look at your Hard Rock!

    Reply
  20. Gabby O'Brien

    I have always wanted to go to a Hard Rock cafe. The food in the photos looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      In all respects, this restaurant does not disappointed. We ate every morsel of food on the plate. We were super full that time and super ready for the next walking adventure! 😀 You’re welcome.

      Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      For a commercialized, glossy version of rock and roll, it was alright. 🙂 I also worried that the food were intensely caloric. I’m not going to lie though. The service, the music, and the atmosphere were absolutely amazing for a music chain restaurant.

      Reply
  21. April Smith Decheine

    I have been to the Hard Rock once, I think it was in LA somewhere or the West Coast area. The food looks so good, great review, I loved the food when I was there.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      I think whenever you enter HRC, you’d know what you’re getting into: a neat restaurant with great music memorabilia on display thoughout. This place is for patrons who don’t mind paying inflated prices for a good dining experience. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Anna

    The quesadilla and fried rice look absolutely delicious! I’ve always wanted to check out a Hard Rock Cafe! We finally got one here in the Cleveland area at a Casino and I have yet to check it out!

    Reply
  23. Eliz Frank

    They used to have so many of them in the USA and then they closed a few down. I’ve always loved the design concept and all the celebs who showed up for photo opps. Good review!

    Reply
  24. Erin

    I’m kinda sad we didn’t get to go here when we lived in Malaysia. We tended to go more towards traditional Malaysian/Indian restaurants while we were there. But this place looks like it would be have been a good place to get traditional food in a more familiar setting.

    Reply
  25. Rob

    Wow..looks so delicious. I will make sure to visit this awesome place, if I ever get the chance to travel to Malaysia :).

    Reply

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