Hard Rock International is set to ignite the culinary world with its annual World Burger Tour, celebrating the brand’s Founders’ Day by showcasing extraordinary burger creations from chefs around the globe. Running from June 14 through August 5, the competition invites food enthusiasts to explore innovative burger recipes that capture the essence of regional cuisines and culinary traditions.
At the heart of this year’s competition is the Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger, a standout creation by Chef Nikhil Gopinathan at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives. This exceptional burger represents a masterful blend of local flavors, featuring two smashed beef patties seasoned and seared to perfection, layered with an intricate combination of homemade Curry Mayo, arugula, coconut flakes, and a tantalizing chimichurri cheese sauce.
Elevating the competition to new heights, celebrity chef and content creator Olivia Tiedemann has joined as both mentor and judge. Her expertise has been instrumental in guiding participating chefs through the creative process, helping them transform traditional burger concepts into extraordinary culinary experiences.
“Each chef brought incredible passion and creativity to their recipes,” Tiedemann remarked. “I’m truly amazed by how they’ve incorporated local influences and personal stories into their burger designs.”
The competition follows a dynamic selection process that combines professional evaluation and public engagement across Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide. Top five burger recipes will be selected based on Tiedemann’s expert input, sales performance, and social media voting. These finalist burgers will then be featured at Hard Rock Cafes globally, giving food lovers a chance to taste these unique creations before a final winner is crowned.
For the Maldives location, the competition represents more than just a culinary challenge. “This event allows our chef to showcase creativity while offering guests a unique taste of Maldivian culture,” explained Anna Melissa Olay, Manager of Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.
The World Burger Tour pays homage to Hard Rock’s rich history, commemorating the first cafe’s opening in London on June 14, 1971. Over 54 years, the brand has evolved from a single restaurant to a global entertainment and hospitality powerhouse with over 300 locations worldwide.
Burger enthusiasts and culinary adventurers can experience these innovative creations at participating Hard Rock Cafe locations, with the Maldives venue offering its unique Island Spiced Coconut & Curry Burger at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives.
