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Ma'am Saab

$30 and under

Pakistani

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 13 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.

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

Location
251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602
Phone number
(843) 259-2660
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 11:30–14:00 Tue–Thu, Sat 16:00–18:00 Tue–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Featured in

Experiences

Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience
USD 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.

What 302 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.

302 Reviews

TK
TKramer
Baltimore7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was AMAZING!!! Sat at the bar, so fun. Bartender was very personable, attentive, and happy to explain dishes;)
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J
Jeffrey
Barcelona2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 March 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?
KA
KeithA
Charleston4 reviews
4.0
Dined on 26 February 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.
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K
Katie
Washington DC5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 February 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!
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B
Brendan
Kansas City1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 February 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.
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M
Makenzie
Charleston1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 February 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.
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B
Brittanie
Charleston1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 February 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?
E
ERIKA
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 February 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!
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A
Andrew
Charleston1 review
1.0
Dined on 15 February 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
N
Niren VIP
Charleston1 review
2.0
Dined on 15 February 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

FAQs

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

Ma'am Saab is rated 4.5 stars by 302 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 13 times today

Experiences are available.

251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602

Additional information

Phone number
(843) 259-2660
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Pakistani, Indian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 11:30–14:00 Tue–Thu, Sat 16:00–18:00 Tue–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Ma'am Saab

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Featured in

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Charleston’s 12 most drop-dead gorgeous restaurants

Experiences

Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience

Menu

What 302 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Ma'am Saab offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ma'am Saab restaurant rated?

Is Ma'am Saab currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information

Featured in

12 Charleston restaurants that our local editor loves

Charleston’s 12 most drop-dead gorgeous restaurants