Mali Thai in Glen Burnie
The 'Comfort Food' Heart of a Community During the Coronavirus Crisis
Nestled in the heart of town square in Glen Burnie, MD, Mali Thai brings some of the best and most authentic Thai cuisine to this suburb of Baltimore. Over the last year, the business has grown thanks to very enthusiastic word of mouth, including rave reviews on Yelp and other social media sites. Featuring well-loved, mainstream favorites such as Pad Thai, as well as “home recipe” specialties such as Kha Moo pork braised in five Thai spices, the menu at Mali Thai has impressed more and more denizens of this Maryland town over the last year since its opening.
Named after the Purity of Jasmine
What does the ‘mali’ in the restaurant’s name mean? The restaurant owners named their establishment after the Hom Mali rice of Thailand, or what we would commonly call jasmine rice in the States. This rice has been named the best rice in the world on multiple occasions by those in the know.
The name also evokes the beauty and purity of the white, fragrant Jasmine flower which grows across Thailand. With this aromatic rice as the base for many dishes, the team at Mali Thai is able to create flavorful Thai food that has impressed even those who have never had Thai food before.
Making it Through the Shutdown
Just as the burgeoning Thai restaurant was gaining momentum in the community, it— like everyone else— was taken by surprise by the coronavirus pandemic. The restaurant has been able to stay in business thanks to contactless pickup and delivery orders, and it continues to share the warmth and comfort of its stunning cuisine. Local customers are delighted to have a quick word with the restaurant owners during safe and contactless pickup via the front door.
Supporting the Community
Mali Thai has also made an effort to return the love it has received from Glen Burnie during these troubling times, participating in the Feed Anne Arundel fundraiser. Established by area restauranteur, Monica Alvarado of Bread and Butter Kitchen, the initiative sought to support local restaurants while also providing meals for community members in need during the COVID 19 crisis.

Mali Thai restaurant was pleased to take part, helping to prepare 1000 dishes for those in need in Anne Arundel county as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The fundraiser also included the Feed Anne Arundel Benefit Virtual Concert, providing remote entertainment for the community as it enjoyed its cuisine. As of this writing, the fundraiser has raised over $60,000 and prepared countless meals for everyone from the unemployed to frontline coronavirus healthcare workers.
A Bright Future for a Glen Burnie Favorite
As we all adjust to a new normal, Mali Thai is persevering and finding its own footing in trying times. Orders continue coming in via online ordering at their website, www.malithaimd.com, and neighborhood fans continue to show up at the pickup “window” for this fantastic comfort food. The owners unlock the front door and greet customers with quick cheer, ensuring that all transfers are contactless and safe.
While the future seems uncertain for many during these strange times, one thing is certain— the Glen Burnie community is here for Mali Thai, and this popular Thai restaurant is here for its friends and neighbors, too. Hopefully, this mom and pop Thai favorite will continue to thrive in the coming months and well beyond.
To learn more about Mali Thai restaurant, view their menu, and place your own order if you live in the Baltimore region, visit www.malithaimd.com. You can also visit them on Facebook and let them know how much you enjoy their cuisine!




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