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Samosa Chaat with cocktails. - Ma'am Saab, Charleston, SC
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Ma'am Saab

$30 and under
Pakistani

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Lively
Ma'am Saab, meaning "boss lady" in Urdu, is a lively restaurant in Charleston that showcases the authentic flavors of Pakistan. Located in the historic district, it offers a unique dining experience that blends traditional Pakistani cuisine with Southern charm. At Ma'am Saab, you'll feel transported to the vibrant streets of Lahore or Karachi. The menu features a variety of dishes, including aromatic curries, flavorful biryanis, tender kebabs, and delicious street food. Must-try dishes include Butter Chicken, a creamy tomato and spice-infused delight; Chicken Biryani, fragrant rice with succulent chicken and saffron; Lamb Karahi, tender lamb in a spicy tomato sauce; and Chana Masala, a vegetarian favorite with chickpeas in a tangy gravy. More than just a restaurant, Ma'am Saab is an experience, offering a vibrant ambiance that invites you to savor the rich culinary heritage of Pakistan. Come and enjoy a taste of home in the heart of Charleston.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Maryam Ghaznavi

From the OpenTable editors: Ma’am Saab translates to “boss lady” in Urdu, and that’s the correct way to describe chef Maryam Ghaznavi, who kicked off with a pop-up in 2020 before opening this restaurant in 2023. She’s all about upscale Pakistani cuisine with a shot of Southern charm, which means a tasting menu of flavorful butter chicken and biryanis, plus happy hour smash burgers and craft cocktails. Exposed brick, floral wallpaper, and ultraviolet lighting help set the party scene.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Tue–Thu, Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 259-2660
  • Website
    http://www.maamsaabchs.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Now offering catering for small to large events - From office get-togethers, birthdays, anniversaries to welcome dinners and wedding receptions. We're here to take your guests on a culinary journey that they'll remember for a long time. Please get in touch with us to design the perfect catering package.
  • Private party facilities
    Choose Ma'am Saab's unique dining room to host your next event. Whether you're looking to host a small party or large party, expect an experience and menu like no other. Please get in touch with us and allow us to create the perfect evening for you and your guests.

Featured in

Experiences

  • Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience

    $65.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Transport your palate to the vibrant streets of Pakistan and immerse yourself in the rich and diverse flavors of the region, where every bite tells a story of tradition and technique. Multi-course dinner. Minimum party of 4 is required to participate. A la carte beverage menu available separately.
    Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience Photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 301 people are saying

Ma'am Saab reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Innovative

  • South Carolina

    Healthy

  • Charleston

    Innovative

  • Charleston

    Healthy

  • Charleston

    Good for special occasions

  • Charleston

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ma'am Saab in Charleston is a standout destination for authentic Pakistani cuisine. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "friendly, attentive service." The butter chicken is a "must-try," while the vibrant ambiance and eclectic decor create a memorable dining experience. It's "one of the best dining experiences" in Charleston, with a unique blend of flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

301 Reviews

  1. Jeffrey

    Barcelona2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    It was harder than expected to find this sort of food in Charleston, but we were pleased that we did! Delicious flavors all around, especially the butter chicken.

    Is this helpful?

  2. KeithA

    Charleston4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 26, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    My partner is vegan and I am not. They had something for both of us. I will be back to try other items on the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Katie

    Washington DC5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely amazing food and ambience. Drinks were superb and the FOOD! highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Brendan

    Kansas City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was outstanding. Everything else was on point. Will be going back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Makenzie

    Charleston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and wonderful service! We will definitely be back to eat here again.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Brittanie

    Charleston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and drinks were delicious! Will be going back!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. ERIKA

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Ma’am Saab! Definitely recommend doing the Chef’s tasting experience if you’ve never had Pakistani cuisine! it gives you a little taste of so many dishes that this restaurant offers! Our server Brittany was very friendly and attentive, this 3 course dinner was served in the most impeccable timing, as soon as we devoured the first course, it was cleared away and the second course arrived, same transition to third course Drinks were amazing!! If they’re doing the special smoked/fried wings you need these in your life!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Andrew

    Charleston1 review

    1.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    I’m not sure if it was because it was Valentine’s Day, or that we had the latest reservation. But the dinner seemed very rushed. The staff seemed very rushed, and the food was not that great.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Niren VIP

    Charleston1 review

    2.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Food is only okay, they claim it to be authentic Indian/Pakistani food but it’s not. It’s just a hotch-potch of food thrown in with Indian spices. Very weird ambience. Not worth the price

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Lauren

    Charleston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I pretty much never write reviews, but I feel compelled to write this one to say that our experience with the tasting menu at Ma'am Saab was incredible! The flavors were out of this world, the portions were generous, the spice level was perfect, and what capped off the experience was the incredibly hospitable and jovial waitstaff. We felt like we were dining in a close friend's home. We were so well taken care of, especially for my picky 5 year old who LOVED the chicken pakora the brought for him outside of the tasting menu. It was also Valentine's dinner night, which I know can be a hectic time in restaurants, but truly our experience could not have been better! I can't wait to return!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Ma'am Saab using the Order Online button.

Ma'am Saab is rated 4.5 stars by 301 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ma'am Saab

251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Meeting Street and Wentworth Street.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Tue–Thu, Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Kosher, Vegan
  • Website
    http://www.maamsaabchs.com/
  • Phone number
    (843) 259-2660
  • Catering
    Now offering catering for small to large events - From office get-togethers, birthdays, anniversaries to welcome dinners and wedding receptions. We're here to take your guests on a culinary journey that they'll remember for a long time. Please get in touch with us to design the perfect catering package.
  • Private party facilities
    Choose Ma'am Saab's unique dining room to host your next event. Whether you're looking to host a small party or large party, expect an experience and menu like no other. Please get in touch with us and allow us to create the perfect evening for you and your guests.

Featured in

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