No, not here for the local band, Jive-Talking’s performance and certainly not here to buy souvenirs, but we were here to have our burgers and Lo-Hei, at least that was what we were told. How odd!
Presenting the Huat Rock Burger ($25) from Hard Rock Cafe Sentosa, an original creation and a pun-in-cheek with two browned toasted buns sandwiching a well done grilled beef patty. HRCS had the usual fries and salad replaced with the festive Yu-Sheng, so it became sort of a hybrid of a Yu-Sheng Burger or a Burger Yu-Sheng. Whichever the case, this dish definitely deserves a prize for innovation. A plate filled with generous serving of grated vegetables in a myriad of colours that you would not miss from any Yu-Sheng, except with the missing raw fish slices and the cheese/ barbecue/ mayonnaise sauce intentionally removed, taken over by the tangy plum sauce and five spice powder. And oddly in its place, two toasted buns and a “naked” beef patty! After adding the last bits of golden crackers which symbolises good fortune, we then proceed on with the ritual of tossing. The well mixed salad was later added in between the buns which we halved the burger to share. First bite, the taste was interesting with the unmistakable Asian taste profiles of peanut, plum sauce and five spices juxtaposing with the bread and thyme marinated beef. The taste combination was not bad though I would prefer the Huat Burger to come in a more familiar cheesier version. Otherwise I might struggle to finish the entire thing by myself.
It did not taste bad but if you are looking forward to satisfy a burger craving, I would suggest you to try their classic burgers instead. This might be too playful and extreme for the purists. The small portion of the Huat Burger also meant that the occasional single/ duo diners could conveniently fulfill their wish of Lo-Hei to welcome the year of the Monkey.
If you grew up in the 90s, never miss the baked Apple Cobbler ($16) nor the classic Mudpie ($16). Like a rougher version of a hot millefeuille, the Apple Cobbler came with piping hot gooey caramelised apple cubes, walnuts and vanilla ice cream. 
At the end of the other spectrum you have the similarly huge Mudpie filled with coffee and chocolate ice cream topped with hot fudge and crunchy flakes. I used to love eating them when I was younger, but they have since become uncommon and have been relegated to the class of retro desserts like the Alaska and Banana Split.
Besides the run off the mill American food we would expect from any standard Hard Rock Cafe, the outlet here also serves local fares like the Seafood Char Kway Teow ($19) and Nasi Goreng ($19). While I cannot find fault with the quality of local food here, it was not memorable either. Still, it was definitely welcoming to have a choice of local cuisine, especially when dining with my older folks.
Kids will be delighted with the Jumbo Combo ($36) that came with mostly non spicy Tupelo Chicken Tenders, Onion Rings, Spinach Artichoke Dip with Parmesan flatbread, Bruschetta and a rather mild Signature Wings. This was a huge platter and varied enough to keep the little ones still and occupied for at least the next half hour.
Similarly, I could imagine the Fried Mantou with Chili Crab Dip ($16.50) and Classic Nachos ($25) as excellent sharing plates with your dining companions.
All in all, not a bad idea to spend the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays with the family, especially if you are heading for a day trip to every Singaporean’s favourite island getaway.
The Huat Rock Burger will only be available at Hard Rock Cafe Sentosa till the end of February.
Hard Rock Cafe Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-209 to 214 The Forum, Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6795 7454
Email: sentosa-enquiries@hardrockcafe-singapore.com
Hard Rock Cafe Singapore
50 Cuscaden Road #02-01 HPL House Singapore 249724
Tel: +65 6235 5232
Email: orchard-enquiries@hardrockcafe-singapore.com
Operating Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30AM-12:00AM
Fri-Sun 11:30AM-2:00AM
Last Order @ 10:30PM
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The above article is written by Guest Writer @ramenking2016. You can find him on instagram where he shares his love for food and travel.
