Credit: Chrisman Studios
South Carolina's first and only culinary team bringing Pakistani restaurants to the state is opening the doors to long-awaited Ma'am Saab at 251 Meeting St. on Friday, May 26th at 5 pm. Ma'am Saab is the third and flagship restaurant from Chef/Co-Owner Maryam Ghaznavi and her husband, Co-Owner/Creative Director Raheel Gauba.
The Ma'am Saab concept was first brought to life during a 2020 pop-up location at Workshop. Ghaznavi and Gauba then opened their more casual eatery, Malika Canteen, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre in 2021, and recently opened a second Malika location at The Charleston Pour House.
Credit: Chrisman Studios
“Ma'am Saab, which means ‘Boss Lady' in the Urdu language, encompasses the culinary powerhouse that is Maryam in all her drive, talent and leadership,” said Gauba. “Our food, drinks and decor pack a punch unique to anywhere else in Charleston.”
Guests can expect to see familiar Ma'am Saab favorites from Workshop like Butter Chicken, along with new dishes like Lollipop Chicken, Kala Chana Chaat (black chickpea salad), Charsi Karahi (a traditional stir fry), Nalli Nihari (slow cooked beef curry) and Kababwala (skewered meats). Diners can also expect a selection of craft cocktails and mocktails inspired by Pakistani flavors, in addition to wine and a selection of local, national, and international beers. The full food and drink menu will be released soon.
Credit: Chrisman Studios
“We are so humbled and grateful for the support we have received from our Charleston community, first with Ma'am Saab at Workshop during the pandemic, and now with our two Malika locations,” Ghaznavi said. “We hope locals and tourists alike fall in love with the ethos of Ma'am Saab, and our food and drinks which were created for connection, enjoyment and memory making.”
Ma'am Saab is now accepting reservations at their website maamsaabchs.com. Starting on Friday, May 26th, the restaurant will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Friday through Saturday form 5 pm to 11 pm.
FYI – all photos were taken during a Charleston Wine + Food event
