Bulan Ramadhan is the holy month for all Muslims in the world. During this month the Muslims will fast for the whole month in order to purify and cleanse the body and soul. The fasting of the day will only end at dusk when the announcement is made and prayer is done. At this time the end of the fasting day is called buka puasa.
To give yourself or your loved ones a special treat during this buka puasa period, you can choose to dine like a celebrity at Hard Rock Starz Diner or Hard Rock Cafe. Both the restaurants are located inside Hard Rock Hotel of Penang, Batu Ferringhi. For those who had previously followed my post, you will surely know the location of Hard Rock Hotel, Batu Ferringhi. For those who are still not sure, you can always visit my previous post at: http://www.stevengoh.com/rock-hard-hard-rock-batu-ferringhi-penang/
As for Ramadhan month, Hard Rock Hotel has created a variety of food for those looking for Buka Puasa dining.
Eats Platter Set Menu @ Hard Rock Cafe:
21 till 29 July 2012, 6 till 12 August 2012
RM60++ per person
(Standard Platter for 2 persons @ RM120++)
Soup
Soup of the day
Main Course
Potato Skin
Buttered Rice
Santa Fe Spring Rolls
Tupelo Chicken Tenders
Mini Cheese Beef Burger
Chicken Curry with Potatoes
Grilled Mini Shrimp Quesadillas
Hickory-Smoked Bar-B-Que Beef Brisket
Dessert
Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Beverage
Inclusive of selected local drink and dates during dinner
The Mini Cheese Beef Burger and Grilled Mini Shrimp Quesadillas are my favorites in this platter. The beef patty was well marinated and grilled to perfection. It was soft, tender and juicy. As for the Grilled Mini Shrimp Quesadillas, the shrimps were coated with cheese and batter, then deep fried until golden brown. It was crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. This is an irresistibly yet devilry luscious dish. The taste of this dish keeps repeating in my mind.
Eats Platter Set Menu @ Hard Rock Cafe
30 July till 5 August, 13 till 18 August 2012
RM60++ per person
(Standard Platter for 2 persons @ RM120++)
Soup
Soup of the day
Main Course
Onion Rings
Tomato Rice
Potato Skins
Prawn Sambal
Tupelo Chicken Tenders
Mini Cheese Beef Burger
Hickory-Smoked Chicken Wings with Classic Rock Sauce
Dessert
Mini Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream
Beverage
Inclusive of selected local drink and dates during dinner
As for this platter, again I prefer the Mini Cheese Beef Burger. The Hickory-Smoked Chicken Wings with Classic Rock Sauce is also my favourite. The chicken wings were marinated with their own house made barbecue sauce and then smoked and served with their Classic Rock Sauce. The combination of the sauce and the chicken wings was simply the perfect match. It was a boost to our appetite.
Buka Puasa Buffet Dinner Menu @ Starz Diner – RM60 per pax
Appetizer:
Kerabu Udang with Ginger Flower, this dish was sourish yet extremely spicy. For those who are unable to take spicy food, try this dish with caution. However, the freshness of the prawns was there. It was a very appetizing dish.
Main Course:
Nasi Brayani, the rice was cooked from Semathi rice, then pan fried rice with raisin and some almond flakes. It was then sprinkled with some fried onion slices. The taste was delicious and full of pan fried aroma.
Ayam Masak Merah, the chicken pieces were marinated with curry tumis and then pan fried, then topped with onions, red and green chili with some mint leaves. Another caution for this spicy dish.
Beef Rendang, the beef slices were marinated and braised until full of aroma, then garnished with some long beans, pandan leaves, cherry tomatoes and some onions. The meat was very nice in aroma and not too spicy. It was a typical Malay dish.
Lamb Kurma, the lamb meat was cooked in Kurma style. The texture of the lamb was soft after braised for long hours. The taste was very nice for those who enjoy lamb. It is definitely a must-try dish.
Ketam Goreng Berempah, the crab was coated with spices and flour, then fried together with curry leaves until brown. The crab was full of spices fragrance. However, crab is not my cup of tea as I don’t eat crab much.
Sayur Kobis Ala Mamak Style, the cabbage was cut into slices and cooked with turmeric oil. This type of dish can be found in any mamak stall. The taste is nothing much different from the one we taste at other places.
Dessert:
Malay Kuih, varieties of Malay and Nyonya style kuih are available to choose from the buffet spread.
Pengat Pisang, the bananas were cut into slices and cooked in coconut milk and sago. The taste was sweet and rich.
Chocolate Cake, the chocolate cake was deliciously rich and full. This can only be taken when you need to conclude your meal session.
The 2 chefs that rock the kitchen of Starz Diner. They are the one behind the scenes preparing all those delicious dishes during Ramadhan period.
Elisa Saw, the Marketing Communication Manager who is leaving this department very soon. I had known her since my first review of Hard Rock. Wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Overall, the taste of the food is great and the style of cooking is very much catered for Ramadhan period. The food generally covered a lot of spices and spiciness which are not really my style. Still for those that can’t live without hot and spicy food, this is the place you need to visit.
Editor’s Review (5 Stars Rank):
| Taste |  |
| Price |  |
| Food Presentation | |
| Service | |
| Overall | |
Quick Facts:
| Family Friendly |  |
| Parking | |
| Pork Free | |
| Alcohol | |
| Corkage Charge (RM200 per bottle) | |
| Credit Card | |
| Smoking (available outdoor) | |
| Reservation | |
| Private Room |  |
Operation hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (7 days a week)
Contact: 04-881 1711
Address: Hard Rock Hotel Penang,Batu Ferringhi Beach,11100 Penang, Malaysia
GPS: 5° 46′ 75.95″ N, 100° 24′ 20.47″ E