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

$50 and over
Pakistani

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Innovative
Nestled in the historic district of downtown Charleston, experience an elevated take on Pakistani cuisine by Chef Maryam Ghaznavi. Be prepared to embark on a journey into Pakistan- featuring a focused menu with dishes originating back to the mughal era. Expect crowd favorites like Butter Chicken, Biryanis, Bihari Kabab and more, along with extensive craft cocktail, mocktail and Delta 9 THC infused libations inspired by the flavors and spices from the subcontinent. With architectural details that pay homage to the history and culture of the subcontinent while looking into the future thanks to Artificial Intelligence based artistry, Ma’am Saab (which means “Boss Lady” in the Urdu language) is unique to any other restaurant in 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 flavourful 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
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • 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.
  • Location
    251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602
  • Area
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross Street
    Meeting Street and Wentworth Street.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience

    US$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 266 people are saying

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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Charleston

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ma'am Saab offers an exceptional dining experience with "incredible food" and "outstanding service." Renowned for its flavorful dishes, including the "superb butter chicken," this Pakistani-Indian fusion restaurant boasts a beautifully designed atmosphere and attentive staff. Guests highly recommend the chef's tasting menu and creative cocktails, making it a must-visit in Charleston.

266 Reviews

  1. boo

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the best service and most delicious food. The flavors were so unique and beautiful presentation. Server was very helpful with recommendations on food and the spiciness And chef cooking was exceptional. We will go back and highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  2. Ambreen

    VIP

    New York City

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and perfect service! Highly recommend Chicken Karahi

    Is this helpful?

  3. Nicholas

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Arrived 5 minutes b-4 Res time and stood at door for 15 minutes nobody even said hello. Finally told table #2 was ours and ready shortly. Table cleared and other party seated at our table. Told management and they argued was NOT our table. After much discussion and arguing computer verification that #2 was attached to our Res, they removed people seated there and seated us. We sat for another 15 minutes b-4 being recognized. Waiter took drinks and apps order but drinks never came, apps finally came then drinks 30 minutes after seating. Immediately ordered Chutney Tray, never came. Ordered bottle of wine, never came. Food arrived, asked where wine was and it finally arrived after half entree consumed. Asked where Chutney Tray was and it came way after food arrived. 3 out of 4 of us have worked in Food & Bev. This was one of the worst service night experiences. Food OK but not good enough for us to return for that lack of service.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Abdal

    Oklahoma City

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Out of the menu items. Slow service. Portion size small for price. Reheated bread.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. Adam

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I love this place; the food is absolutely amazing, with so many different flavors, you'll be amazed. Everything on the menu is top-notch—absolutely the best dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ryan

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Incredible food. The cholay biryani and the butter chicken were both amazing

    Is this helpful?

  7. Dana

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place is AMAZING!!!! The staff is warm and welcoming!!! The ambiance is SO cool!!! And the food is absolutely phenomenal!!!! Well done!!! High recommend!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Ambreen

    VIP

    New York City

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent experience. Staff was friendly and helpful. Had karahi which was absolutely delicious. Wished for Pakistani masala tea:) Kababs were great as well.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kathy

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of my favorites in Charleston! The food is incredible!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lawson

    Charleston

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 December 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    We made reservations for a table for two. I have eaten at the restaurant when it first opened and the food and service were great! On this visit however, the service was not even close to being average so we told the manager to cancel our order and we left without eating. And we will not return. It all started when the host, which we later found out was the manager, keep us waiting for a long period of time, then seated us at a dirty table. When I asked if he could wipe our table down, he said, Yeah, I can wipe it down AGAIN! The table was a small table for two which still had the water cup rings on the table along with rice and other food! The table had clearly, not been wiped. Then we server greeted us and we had to ask for menus, he seems to be upset with us, that we did not receive menus when we were seated. The server seemed to have attitude and we decided to leave. I know from my previous visit that the service and food were good, but I’m not sure what has happened! The server said he has been there for two weeks and has never met the owners. So maybe, there are some management issues or something. This visit was Thanksgiving weekend which seemed to be slower for them! We saw many empty tables and it is usually full!

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Ma'am Saab offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 259-2660.

Ma'am Saab is rated 4.5 stars by 266 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
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.
  • Area
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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.

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