When visiting the USA, it quickly becomes obvious that there is something of an obsession with pancakes for breakfast. Is it nostalgia for those rural days when people needed as many carbohydrates as possible to see them through a day’s farming or ranching? Pancakes, after all, are made of ingredients that are readily available on most farms, as are the extras that can be added to make them truly scrumptious.
The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter, is a recent addition to its ever-growing stable of American franchises. It seems to offer better food that many of them, and has a range and variety that appeals to young and old alike, at any time of day.
Despite American pancakes being closely linked to breakfast, they are available all day long. There are seven types available – all sweet – most of which are served with either fruit of chocolate toppings. But despite it’s name, The Pancake House in Riyadh is not limited to that fare.
Banana pancakes at the Pancake House (image by thefoodtechie.com)
More than pancakes at The Pancake House
Sizzlin' Skillet at The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter
For breakfast there are also omelettes (both meat and vegetarian), egg/bacon/sausage plates, and classic European inspired dishes of French toast and waffles. The Western Sizzlin’ Skillet (a mix of potatoes, peppers, bacon bits, cheese and eggs) combines many of the ingredients to make sure a person is well prepared for the day ahead.
Beef Stew Salad at The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter
For lunch the variety is impressive: The sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups on offer ensure that it is possible to have quickly prepared food that is not too bad for the waistline, and is tasty too.
Good option for lunch and dinner
Most of the appetizers available are fried, but there are some more health-conscious options too.
Spicy shrimp cocktail at The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter
Tenderloin Fillet at The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter
The dinner menu specializes in a range of pastas, along with meat entrées, and some offerings from the sea, although the freshness of fish in Riyadh is questionable.
There is also a range specially for children, incorporating favourites such as fish fingers and mac and cheese.
Chocolate lava cake photo
Chocolate lava cake at The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter
There are a couple of desserts that stand out (the Chocolate Lava Cake and the Apple Pie, when available) but apart from that the offerings are those ubiquitous in Riyadh restaurants (ice-cream and cheesecake).
Snickers Cheesecake at The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter
Despite the nominal boundaries of meals, pretty much everything is available all day long, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Seating available inside and outside
Outside seating at The Pancake House, Diplomatic Quarter
The Pancake House is not a large restaurant, and is often busy. It has a family section as well as a singles section, although being on the DQ, where attitudes to social interaction are not as strict as they are outside its perimeter, there are no screens for guaranteed privacy. There is also an outside section where diners can enjoy the temperatures that Riyadh has to offer.
It would be good to see a policy imposed whereby people who were just going for a coffee or a drink could not occupy the outside tables for hours on end. Despite the social nature of Saudi Arabia, The Pancake House in Riyadh is not a dedicated coffee shop; there are several other establishments within easy walking distance which are, but seeing as The Pancake House in Riyadh is a popular destination, it is inevitable that people want to hang out there.
Being a small venue it is easy for the staff to keep an eye on the tables inside, and a waiter is never far away, although once seated outside the staff seem to leave people to their own devices, which may necessitate a trip inside in order to ask for something.
A welcome addition to the dining options on the Diplomatic Quarter, The Pancake House is worth a visit any time of day. It is an informal, friendly venue with very cheerful staff, and tasty food that is prepared quickly and priced reasonably, and will also deliver to your home – as long as you live on the DQ.
How does our experience of The Pancake House compare to yours? Add your opinion to the comments below.