Ma'am Saab - Pakistani Restaurant

I feel really bad giving bad reviews to a place but I would not go to this restaurant again. We had thought about this restaurant before and when noticed it was on the “Chase sapphire” list we decided to book with chase. Overall, would rate total experience as a D+. The restaurant/ visual aspects of the bar are trendy and upscale. Friday night service was slow to the point wondering if understaffed for the evening or not. If they were understaffed then much more understandable. Our waiter did not introduce himself, did not even say welcome to the restaurant. Just walked up and said what do you want to drink? And food orders? And walked away. Aside from dropping off items never checked on table. We ordered 3 cocktails. The party in Lahore which was very awful. Tasted like a lemon juice drink that had gone bad if that is even possible. Shalimar cocktail was sickly sweet. The Rang cocktail was okay. All 3 were very small drinks. Friend zucchini fritters were good as well ground lamb with butter buns. Chicken tikka was 3 small chicken cuts with rice for around 30$. Value was not worth as chicken was on chewy side and overall not much flavor. Butter chicken sauce had a wonderful taste but again chicken more chewy than wanted. Mostly ate around the chicken. The butter naan was not good. Very bland. I feel like pre-bought/ pre made naan from a random grocery store has more flavor and texture. Restaurant is very loud in general and playing almost rap/club music which seemed odd.  Overall I really want and hope this place succeeds and hoping this was just an off night or something. Most frustrated with the chase sapphire recommendations part as elected to go here because of that over other places.

Easy 5 star - no notes.

Check out the lunch too! $15 - you are full and satisfied, I can assure you.

Excellent experience. Will return next time we are in Charleston. Delicious food and great service.

Soooo… the bartender stole the show..He was stand offish, not personable and it just really ruined the experience right off the bat. He recommended the Samosas and damn they were good but we left shortly after. We didn’t want to overwhelm him with any sort of positivity.

We’ll be back for the food - but it’ll be at a table, not the bar.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

The samosa appetizer was outstanding so tasty and just the right amount of heat! I ordered the Chicken Karahi which was recommended and the best dish on the menu! I am a complete Indian food snob and I think it was just ok. Basically it was chicken in a spicy gravy! No onions, tomatoes or veggies and no rice! It was served with naan bread only! I wanted the chutney selection but it didn't come with anything?? The wine was delicious! Only two servers and they worked so hard doing all jobs! Would I return yes but would make different choices!

Best butter chicken my wife and I have ever tasted! Highly recommend eating here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love the overall vibe of the restaurant!!! A great fusion between Pakistani and southern cuisine. We tried their Charga Wings, Samosa Chaat and Chicken Karahi. They have an interesting mocktail menu as well. The food was exceptional. The Charga wings were on the top of our list.

😊Good food, and cool atmosphere. I only wish the bar seats were taller.

This place was amazing! We learned about it due to the Chase Sapphire dining program. The decor was gorgeous, food SO great (may be the best Indian food we have ever had), service as perfect. Will be back for sure!

nice decor, food was ok, nothing impressive. bill was $130 for two people....overpriced imo.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Vegetarian tasting menu was fantastic. Some of the best pakistani/indian food I'ver ever had. You will leave stuffed. Best meal on our trip to Charleston.

We loved our server and the recommendation's were spot on! I've been twice now and absolutely love the atmosphere. The food is so satisfying, I always leave stuffed.

Portion sizes are a joke. My meal was 32 and looked like a lean cuisine box. Service was ok. Very overpriced for what you get.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

First time experiencing and we were blown away by the flavor of the food. We had the Chef Sampler and it was more food than we could handle but so delicious we took it home with us. Drinks were superb and their service very good, only thing I recommend is a 2nd waitress to minimize the wait time between service. Great vibes and their decorations and music was perfect!

This was our first time dining at Ma'am Saab and it did not disappoint. My friend that I dined with is from Pakistan and she said the dishes were both authentic and unique. We had one entree (vegetables) and two appetizers (zucchini fritters and paneer) and everything was wonderful. The decor and music made me feel like I was dining in Pakistan. I highly recommend this spot.