Ric’s Kountry Kitchen, wedged unobtrusively near Al Meera supermarket in Umm Ghuwailina, may not inspire confidence from the get-go if judged by its exterior.

What you may be confident of though, is the wholesome, satisfying quality of the food and service at this quaint little place. Known primarily for its generous, American-style breakfast menu, Ric’s also serves up some excellent burgers, sandwiches, soups, desserts, Mexican dishes, chili and yes, gumbo.

One of the best things about Ric’s old-style Texan theme is the free refill option for ice tea, lemonade, coffee and hot tea. Breakfast items are available into the late afternoon, with everything from Texas toast to American-style biscuits, blueberry pancakes and omelettes on offer. Root beer floats are also on offer, and live up to the diner’s American origins.

The Latin-inspired Micho’s Huevos Con Chile with its eggs, salsa, refried beans, tortillas and jalapeño sides is good to try if you’re in the mood for something more Mexican. It features on the ‘South of the Border’ section of the menu—hint, hint.

The California burger is a particular favourite among customers, according to our inquiries, and we did spot a gentleman ordering clam chowder to go with his sandwich for lunch.

On our visit we tried one of the more popular Ric’s breakfast platters—The Lumberjack—with its three eggs (any style), Texas toast, blueberry pancakes, sausages, breakfast steak and home-style fries. We’re happy to acknowledge that everything was up to standard, and in combination made for a very appetising meal.

The food at Ric’s is uncomplicated but scrumptious, and it’s evident by the ambience and general customer attitudes that it’s a regular spot for many, especially those who work nearby during weekdays. The customer-base is refreshingly diverse, with every kind of European, Arab and Asian expat dropping in, and a sprinkling of locals as well.

The interior of the restaurant is currently getting a face-lift, so the walls have been stripped of their usual hodgepodge of American souvenirs and college memorabilia for renovation. What has remained is the children’s artwork that Ric’s is known for collecting and putting up.

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen may appear dingy to some, but it has an authentic, homey diner feel to it that you won’t get at a mall or a hotel. The staff are exceptionally prompt and nice, and the music is contemporary without being a blight upon the ears.

One very important thing to keep in mind is Ric’s cash-only policy. If you do get stuck with only a card on you, there’s an ATM just a walk away by the Al Meera next door. According to TripAdvisor’s overview, it averages out to about QAR 80 for two people, but that mostly depends on what you order and how much. Ric’s is open all week from 6 AM till 10 PM. 

All in all, Ric’s Kountry Kitchen is a great place to visit for good, simple food. It’s certainly not a classy sort of eatery, but it is exceedingly comfortable and friendly with a delicious, varied menu, so definitely worth a try.

You can contact Ric’s Kountry Kitchen at 44437846. The diner is located by Al Meera on Das Abu Aboud Street in Umm Ghuwailina.