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

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Visa Dining Collection

$30 and under
Pakistani
251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
8:30 PM
Booked 7 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Vegetarian-friendly
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

  • 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
  • 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.
  • Delivery & takeout

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

What 311 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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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 delights with its "absolutely amazing food and ambience," offering a "wonderful dining experience" that keeps patrons returning. Guests rave about the "butter chicken" and the "chef's tasting menu," while the "staff is warm and welcoming." Some service inconsistencies noted, but overall, it's a "fabulous restaurant."
311 Reviews
  1. Adam

    Orlando4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We got the Chef’s Tasting Experience. The food was delicious! So worth it! The cocktails were well crafted and went down smoothly. We loved this restaurant! Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Russell

    Salt Lake City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was spectacular. Raheel is doing a wonderful job serving up something new and beautiful for downtown Charleston.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jamie

    Philadelphia4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always love Ma’am Saab!!! Wonderful food, as always!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Alecia VIP

    Charleston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely incredible experience at Ma’am Saab. The flavors were so rich, bold, and perfectly balanced—every bite felt like a love letter to my taste buds. Honestly, the food was so good, it made me feel things. Let’s just say it awakened more than just my appetite. Can’t wait to go back!!! Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Shawn VIP

    Charleston24 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Good dining adventure-enjoyed the tasting menu since it was our first visit.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Torri

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and great atmosphere. Service was excellent. Staff was really nice and polite.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Danielle

    New York City1 review

    2.0

    Dined on March 25, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was average and over priced. Service was average. One and done for me.

    Is this helpful?

  8. debbie

    New York City11 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great! The food is so savory and delicious

    Is this helpful?

  9. jennifer

    Charleston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just walking in the front door I knew we were in for a treat. The aroma coming from the kitchen was wonderful. We decided on a few appetizers and mains for our group to share. We were concerned about spice levels for one our friends but she easily handled everything. The butter chicken was a highlight along with the Zucchini fritters. Looking forward to another visit.

    Is this helpful?

  10. TKramer

    Baltimore7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 14, 2025

    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;)

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Ma'am Saab is rated 4.6 stars by 311 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Charleston
  5. Downtown Charleston

Make a reservation


Booked 7 times today
Experiences are available.
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
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • 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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