Ma'am Saab - Modern Pakistani Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

Historically, Pakistani cuisine has not received the recognition it deserves, yet it offers a unique blend of Indian and Middle Eastern flavors,” says chef Maryam Ghaznavi, who opened Ma’am Saab on Meeting Street in 2023. Ghaznavi, who was born in Pakistan, raised in Saudi Arabia, and has lived in North America for 20 years, is attempting to change that with her luscious cooking. Some dishes are familiar, like butter chicken in a fragrant sauce of garam masala, cumin, and chili powder, while others, like the Taj-e-Sabzi (seasonal vegetables with aloo methi, rice, and paratha), will serve as a delicious education for diners.

This Pakistani restaurant started out as a pop-up on Upper King Street in 2020, and finally got their own space in 2023. With its deep purple lighting and projection screen showing footage from street life in Pakistan, Ma'am Saab has a vibe that feels like nothing else in Charleston. When it comes to food, go for the butter chicken with a silky golden curry and perfectly cooked tandoori thigh, and the qeema samosas filled with freshly ground lamb.

Helmed by Chef Maryam Ghaznavi, Ma’am Saab is the Holy City’s preeminent new Pakistani spot. Serving up everything from creamy butter chicken, saag paneer, and smoked ground beef, Ma’am has quickly become a Charleston staple. Don’t miss the multi-course tasting menu that changes seasonally for something extra special.

While the city has its share of Indian eateries, from casual lunch buffets to trendy, upscale offerings, Ma’am Saab’s residency at Workshop was the first time much of the Holy City became acquainted with Pakistani food. Most akin to Northern Indian regional cuisine, the food of Pakistan is more meat-focused (though you won’t often find pork, as the country is majority Muslim). Dishes also emphasize aromatic spices like turmeric and cardamom more heavily than their Indian counterparts.

This Pakistani restaurant started out as a pop-up on Upper King Street in 2020, and finally got their own space this spring—there's an exposed brick interior with deep purple lighting and a large projection screen showing footage from street life in Pakistan. When it comes to food, the butter chicken is an absolute must, and you should add on the lollipop chicken and qeema samosas filled with freshly ground lamb. If it’s on the menu, end your meal with the cardamom and rice kheer.

New and old collide at Ma’am Saab, with exposed brick hinting at the venue’s previous life as Jestine’s Kitchen, a Southern restaurant that permanently closed in 2020 after 24 years. Those rustic walls are balanced by ornate light fixtures and an illuminated bar, which backs up against a projector streaming Pakistani city scenes. Vegetarian bites are plentiful at Ma’am Saab, including chickpea biryani and samosa chaat.

Helmed by Chef Maryam Ghaznavi, this Pakistani spot celebrates inventive twists on storied dishes. At lunchtime, order the Signature Thali, a plate that Southerners might recognize as being akin to a meal at a meat-and-three; choose from creamy butter chicken, saag paneer (a vegetarian dish with spinach and cheese), curried chickpeas, and smoked ground beef. maamsaabchs.com, 251 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Ma’am Saab (@maamsaabchs) offers a unique fusion of Southern and Pakistani cuisine in the heart of downtown Charleston, not to mention some deliciously innovative cocktails and mocktails. They have plenty of vegetarian options, but the samosa chaats followed by the butter paneer are my go-to. Ma’am Saab is a great downtown takeout option, and if you are local you should look into their supper club membership.

Nestled in the historic district of downtown Charleston, Ma’am Saab offers an elevated dining experience that brings the rich flavors of Pakistani cuisine to life. Under the expert guidance of Chef Maryam Ghaznavi, these dishes are a modern take on recipes that date back to the Mughal era. Some menu highlights include Charsi Karahi, Masala Bhel, and Bihari Boti Kabab.

Another one of my favorite stops while enjoying Charleston’s best desserts is Jestine’s Kitchen. Jestine’s is actually a diner, but they make a delicious, traditional Southern dessert that can’t be missed. When you take your seat at Jestine’s the first thing you’ll want to order is a piece of the famous Cola Cake, which it’s been serving up since 1996!

Acknowledged for its incredible atmosphere, service, drinks, and food, Ma’am Saab is an Indian-Pakistani restaurant which is located near the College of Charleston. It offers reservations for dine-in and online orders for takeout & deliveries. Butter Chicken, Samosa Chaat, Lollipop Chicken, and Masala Bhelare a few of its popular dishes.

One popular spot is Jestine’s Kitchen, known for its delicious Southern comfort food and casual atmosphere that families love. There’s something for even the pickiest eater, with menu options like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and banana pudding. Jestine’s Kitchen is a must-visit for families looking for delicious food in Charleston.

Sure, it’s super touristy, but there’s a reason it’s famous. Jestine’s fried chicken is just good, plain and simple, and the line that’s always out the door and down the block confirms that. Don’t miss their mac and cheese either—it tastes like butter mixed with cheese, and I can’t find a single flaw with that.

Ma’am Saab is what Indians call a reputed elegant lady, which is a phrase to give respect to women. This restaurant, just like its name, respects everyone who comes in to indulge in Indian flavours. With a beautiful interior and sophisticated dining setting, this restaurant offers an elegant dining experience.

Ma’am Saab is a wonderful Pakistani restaurant at The Workshop where there is lots of patio seating. I had the chicken tikka, and it was so flavorful, the chicken and the rice were both perfectly cooked, and, oh, that naan!. The owner is friendly, and you can tell that this restaurant is her passion.

Price: $$ – $$$Location: 251 Meeting StreetWebsite:maamsaabchs.comReservation: Highly recommended. If you want to take a break from southern cooking, or if you love Indian and Pakistani food, put this Pakistani restaurant on your list. This was a great experience from start to finish.

Jestine’s Kitchen serves up ‘Southern food with lots of soul’, and they do it to perfection. There’s so many good things to eat here, it’s tough to pick just one. Order the Chuck ‘n’ Cluck which has both meatloaf and fried chicken drumsticks for a real treat.

Ma’am Saab also offers a unique selection of thoughtfully-crafted cocktails and equally complex mocktails inspired by Pakistani flavors, in addition to wine and a vast selection of local and international beers.

Jestine’s Kitchen wears the crown when it comes to authentically home-cooked Southern cuisine. Expect large portions + a casual setting for this traditional soul food experience.