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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
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Good for special occasions
Ma’am Saab is a bold, modern Pakistani restaurant redefining the dining scene in Charleston’s historic district. Inspired by the vibrant energy of today’s Pakistan, our kitchen blends age-old recipes with contemporary flair, offering an experience that feels both rooted and refreshingly unexpected.

Step into Ma’am Saab and you’ll find yourself on a flavor journey from the bustling streets of Karachi to the greenlands of Lahore, reimagined through a modern lens. Our menu pays homage to tradition while pushing boundaries, featuring craveable dishes like our signature Butter Chicken, with its rich and velvety golden curry; the off-menu Lamb Biryani, a slow-braised, deeply spiced classic (available in limited quantities nightly); the bold and fiery Chicken Karahi; and Taj-e-Sabzi, a crown jewel of seasonal vegetables elevated with spice and soul.

Come for the food. Stay for the storytelling. This is Pakistani cuisine—modern, magnetic, and unapologetically flavorful.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Jason Lapp

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
    Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner 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
    Casual Dress
  • 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
    Order direct
  • Location
    251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-1602
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    Meeting Street and Wentworth Street.
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Kosher, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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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 with our multi-course dinner experience. Minimum party of 2 is required to participate.
    Ma'am Saab Tasting Menu Experience Photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 335 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
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Healthy

  • Charleston

    Innovative

  • Charleston

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ma'am Saab in Charleston offers a delightful culinary experience with "amazing" butter chicken and a flavorful, diverse menu. The restaurant's "great atmosphere" and "friendly service" add to its charm. While a bit on the pricey side, the generous portions and "unique flavors" make it worth the visit.
335 Reviews

  1. Anaya

    South Carolina1 review

    2.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    My friend and I were excited to try a potential new favorite spot as locals to Charleston, but were disappointed in the lackluster service. The food itself was phenomenal!! The price point should warrant exceptional service to accompany the great menu items.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jesse

    Denver / Colorado4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was such an awesome experience! The food was amazing. My 70s father doesn’t like what he calls “ethnic food” and the best review for Maam Saab is that he absolutely loved everything and wants to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Varsha VIP

    Baltimore / Maryland7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We made a last minute reservation because we saw this place while getting to our hotel and just had to go here. Highly recommend the butter paneer and cholay ! The paneer was prepared so well- golden brown hand torn bits in the most dunkable curry base. The naan was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Our server was extremely nice and accommodating of our little baby, overall great experience. Thinking about ordering delivery tomorrow while I write this

    Is this helpful?

  4. Lindsay

    Baja California Sur2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    I came here to celebrate my birthday with a few friends. The food was excellent and came out quickly! We were very disappointed with the service. After we got our first cocktail and apps, we never saw our server again. Our entrees were delivered and we weren’t checked on once. All of us wanted a second drink and dessert but were never asked. We all had run out of water and were very frustrated when we left.

    Is this helpful?

  5. McKenna VIP

    Asheville / Western North Carolina7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is amazing, and drinks are great, especially the Kashmiri. Service was attentive and gracious.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Marcy

    South Carolina40 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent as always. Appetizer special was chicken wings - amazing!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kathy

    South Carolina5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Could o Lu get counter reservation but still has great experience. Friendly service, fast food delivery and just the right anoint of checking on us. Butter Chicken with rice is amazing!! We shared that and the zucchini fritters and it was plenty for 2 people. Big screen of what I assume are Pakistan scenes made for a great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. James

    South Carolina2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant had the only Pakistani food I've had so far. For a first Pakistani meal this was great and very enjoyable. While a little on the expensive side, the prices are in line with many of the other restaurants in the Charleston area.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Elizabeth

    South Carolina2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Five great appetizers and butter chicken, with 2 rice dishes, 2 breads..... Made a lovely meal for 4 people. Service was C level. Never got the wine bucket we asked for three times over the 2 bottles of wine we had on a hot evening.... And the bartender was almost rude while explaining the French rose on the menu was substituted by a Spanish cava. It was weird, maybe he was joking, but it was off-putting. But food made up for it and we'd likely go again. This was my 4th time there and food was by far the best.

    Is this helpful?

  10. laura VIP

    South Carolina18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place is a gem , don’t sleep on it. We can’t wait to come back!

    Is 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 4.6 stars by 335 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 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
    Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner 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
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Kosher, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • 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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