Malika Canteen
Megan James, CharlotteBergerPR
Ma’am Saab stole the hearts of Charlestonians and visitors alike in the former food court concept, Workshop, as the first and only Pakistani restaurant in not only Charleston but in South Carolina. When the Workshop closed in May of 2021, many were left awaiting the upcoming sister restaurant, Malika Canteen in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Thankfully the wait was not long for Chicken Biryani lovers and Aloo Tikki fans alike. Opening in August of 2021, Malika has brought a wealth of vibrant culture and cuisine to an area entirely unfamiliar to it.
Ma’am Saab means “lady boss” in Pakistani, while Malika means “Queen,” and that is how anyone who meets Chef and Co-Owner Maryam Ghaznavi would describe her. Maryam brings fresh, simple ingredients together in the most brilliant of ways in the Malika kitchen. The meal started off with Thumbs Up, a Pakistani cola that tastes a bit like Pepsi, but with less sugar and hints of vanilla. Next up were Malika’s refreshingly sweet and creamy Mango Lassis.
@charlottebergerchs
@cookinwithbooze
Malika’s Shakkar Kandi Chat started the app game off strong, featuring perfectly crisp sweet potatoes topped with mouthwatering chaat masala, onions, and cilantro. $1 of each of this dish sold through November 7th goes to The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry as part of our Charity Partnership Program.
@cookinwithbooze
If you’re looking for a well-rounded plate of flavor, the Na'aan and Sauce Trio is a great way choice, with smooth Yogurt Raita, Mint Chutney and Tamarind Chutney, which packs the perfect amount of heat.
@hoangviton
The bright, authentic flavors of Malika’s entrees take us straight to the streets of Pakistan. Maryam and husband Raheel bring food from their childhoods straight to our Mount Pleasant tables with dishes like their Chicken Biryani, Beef Shami Bun and always heavenly Chicken Tikka Roll.
@_megsnbacon
@youshouldbedrinkingthis
To wrap up the meal, we drank warm Chai. Anyone who has walked into Malika and talked to Maryam and Raheel knows that Chai is most certainly an important part of Pakistani culture, or as Raheel puts it, a way of life.
@youshouldbedrinkingthis
Nicole Myles, Executive Director of The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, was thrilled to meet us for dinner as Malika, as Co-Owners Raheel and Maryam have worked with the organization in the past. Nichole told us how far every dollar goes with the Children’s Museum, not just for general funding, but for distributing STEM kits to keep children engaged and learning even at home. Through the month of October, until November 7th, $1 from every Shakkar Kandi Chaat and Aloo Tikki Roll will benefit the museum!
1333 Theatre Drive, Mount Pleasant
