If you’re anywhere in or near California, Maryland, consider this your official heads-up: you gotta check out Thai Inter. I’m such a fan, and I’d 200% go back if I’m in the area. @nomtasticfoods and I got to experience it together, and everything we ordered was tasty, from lightly fried tofu in a soy garlic sauce, to a super tender beef panang curry, to crispy duck and the juiciest roasted chicken.
It’s a Thai spot in St. Mary’s County that sources its produce and proteins locally whenever possible, so everything tastes extra fresh, and the owners genuinely care about the whole experience. You can thank me afterwards, lol. Here’s everything we got and what you NEED to order.
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What Makes Thai Inter a Standout Thai Restaurant in California, MD
Real talk, a spot like this is a genuine gem for St. Mary’s County. What sets Thai Inter apart is the sourcing: they use local, fresh ingredients whenever they can, and you can taste it. It’s consistently one of the top-rated restaurants in California, MD, and the owners are so lovely, they really care about the guest experience (they even have a spice rack you can ask for, more on that below). They’ve also got a cafe in the area that I’ll be telling you about soon, so keep an eye out. And whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, there are options here for you too.
What to Order at Thai Inter
Everything we got was tasty, but these were my favorite dishes.
Thai Roasted Chicken ($16.95)
This was my favorite dish, hands down. Thai-marinated chicken served with papaya salad and sticky rice, and the meat was SO juicy. It’s the kind of simple-sounding dish that’s all about the execution, and they nailed it. If you only get one thing, make it this one.
Crispy Duck with Basil ($19.95)
Robby’s pick of the night. Flash-fried roasted duck in a chili basil sauce, topped with crispy basil. Really yum, and that crispy basil on top is such a nice touch. If you’re a duck person, you already know you gotta order this.
Beef Panang Curry ($16.95)
This curry was really fantastic: super tender beef and a ton of flavor, plus bell peppers, basil, and broccoli on the side. If you haven’t had panang before, it’s a Thai red curry that’s thicker, creamier, and a little milder than your standard red curry, thanks to a coconut cream base and ground peanuts worked into the paste. Comforting and rich, and you’ll want it spooned over rice.
Tofu Royale ($14.95)
Such a great veg option. Lightly fried tofu topped with fresh shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and onion in a tasty soy garlic sauce. I loved the big chunks of ginger in this, lol. If you want something meatless that still feels like a treat, this is it.
And make sure you ask for their spice rack. It lets you dial the heat exactly where you want it, so don’t be shy about it.
I’ve Been on a Serious Thai Kick Lately
Confession, Nomsters: I’ve reviewed a whole lot of Thai spots around Maryland, and Thai Inter more than holds its own. What I loved here is that the local sourcing and the little touches (that spice rack!) make it feel personal and cared-for. If you’re a fellow Thai-food obsessive, I’ve got you covered around the state, Bangkok Garden in Pasadena is another one I love. But down in St. Mary’s, Thai Inter’s the one to beat.
The Vibe and Experience
Thai Inter’s a casual, welcoming sit-down spot in San Souci Plaza, an easy shopping-center location with free parking right out front. It’s the kind of place that works for a low-key weeknight dinner, a family meal, or a relaxed lunch. What really stuck with me was how much the owners care, that warmth comes through in the service and in all the little details. It’s comfortable, unpretentious, and all about the food. If you can’t dine in, they do takeout and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats too.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 22576 MacArthur Blvd, Unit 336, California, MD 20619 (San Souci Plaza)
- Hours: M-F 11 AM to 2:30 PM and 4:30 to 9 PM, Sat 12 to 9 PM, Sun 12 to 8:30 PM
- Dine-in, takeout, and delivery: delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Online ordering: thaiinterrestaurantmd.com for carryout
- Reservations: available (I’d call ahead on a weekend)
- Dietary: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options (for fully vegan, ask for no egg or fish/oyster sauce)
- Spice: ask for the spice rack to adjust the heat to your liking
- Parking: free in the plaza lot
- Phone: (301) 866-1880
- Website: thaiinterrestaurant.com
If you’re anywhere near St. Mary’s County, definitely make sure to check out Thai Inter. I’m a fan, I’d 200% go back, and for fresh, locally sourced Thai food with owners who clearly care, it’s an easy recommendation. Start with the roasted chicken and the crispy duck and you really can’t go wrong. Curious how it stacks up against the rest of the state? Carlson’s in Annapolis is another of my Maryland Thai favorites, but Thai Inter’s a standout for Southern MD.
That’s my take on Thai Inter, Nomsters. Have you guys been, or do you have a Southern Maryland Thai spot I need to try next? Drop it in the comments, and if you love Thai as much as I do, Sense of Thai in Bethesda has what I called the most unique pad thai in the DMV. Save this one for your next trip down to California, MD, and send it to your favorite curry lover.