BEST RESTAURANTS IN MARYLAND

Whether you live in Maryland or are planning a visit there sometime in the future, I have narrowed the list and provided some of the best restaurants in Maryland.

Also, if you enjoy exploring food from different cultures, here are a few of my favorite’s restaurants if you are looking for a new spot in the DMV area and are eager to try something new:

1.    Malaysian Cuisine:

For Malaysian food, you must visit Penang Malaysian Cuisine located in Bethesda Maryland. I visited Malaysia in May 2019 and was obsessed with their food. My favorites were satay, roti, and peanut sauce. Upon my return to Maryland, I needed to find a local Malaysian restaurant to support and enjoy these delicacies and Penang did not disappoint. 

They have lots of varieties including the famous Pineapple rice, so make sure you stop by if you are in the Bethesda area.

2.    East African Cuisine:

Swahili Village is the place to visit for authentic East African cuisine. Top notch service, great tasting food each time and lots of options. The fried rice, chapati (Kenyan bread), and the nyama chime (grilled goat meat) are some of my favorites.

So, whenever you are craving any East African cuisine, make sure you visit Swahili Village. They have a location at M St. NW, Washington DC, and Beltsville Maryland that is about 30 minutes from Washington DC.

3.    Thai Cuisine:

For Thai food, Aroy Thai Restaurant in College Park Maryland is the only option that comes to mind. This Thai restaurant is located at the University of Maryland campus so be careful about parking (I got a ticket the last time I was there).

They do mostly carryout so I will recommend you call and order before your arrival, and for the food, you must try their Basil fried rice and drunken noodles. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

4.    Turkish Cuisine:

With a 4.7 rating on Google maps, Cazbar located in Columbia Maryland is one of the best locations for authentic and traditional Turkish cuisine. I stumbled upon this location after going through some reviews on google, so I decided to visit, and I was more than impressed. I made a reservation, so I was seated the moment we walked in.

Overall, we had a wonderful experience, the food was great,  and I will highly recommend it. I can’t wait to be back!

5.    American Cuisine/Brunch:

If you are craving a very delicious brunch and don’t mind a trip to Virginia, then I will recommend Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar in Alexandria Virginia (yes, I know this is not in Maryland but trust me it will be worth the  visit). The scotch egg was one of my favorites, and I will also recommend the egg Benedict.

While you are there, make sure you talk to the owner Matt, he is a very nice guy and very welcoming. 

6. Japanese Desert:

Kyoto Matcha located in North Bethesda Maryland. This is the ideal place for all things matcha and you will not be disappointed. Their items range from ice cream, drinks, and cakes.

My favorites are the Matcha ice cream in a cone, the milk cap cake of course the matcha flavor, and for drinks, I will recommend the latte float (very delicious).

7.    South Korean Cuisine:

For South Korean food, I have so many options so I will recommend a few:

1.      KBBQ at Iron Pig Korean BBQ: What is Korean food without Korean BBQ? Make sure to visit when you are hungry and enjoy the BBQ while jamming to some K-pop. The atmosphere is always very welcoming and refreshing.

2.    CM chicken in Ellicott city: This is hands down one of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Red hot pepper chicken is my favorite if you are craving something spicy in this cold winter weather.

3.    Tous Le Jours bakery in Ellicott City Maryland: If you are like me, and I don’t enjoy sweet pastries, then you must visit Tous Le Jours. This is a very authentic South Korean bakery with lots of baked good’s options. They have both savory and sweet pastries so remember to stop by.

Enjoy the best restaurants in Maryland.