This place continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Mount Pleasant!! Get the chai hot or iced, it's so damn good and authentic. This time we got the samosa chaat and it was incredible! A bomb of flavor, we basically licked the plate clean. We also got the masala poutine, which was delicious and full of flavor. This place is highly rated for a reason, you cannot go wrong here. It deserves every praise! read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Samosa Chaat - fantastic incredible perfect - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Oh my goodness, this place was so good!! I've only ever had Malika as takeout but I enjoyed it a lot more dining in. My girlfriends and I came here before seeing the Devil Wears Prada 2 and we had a great experience. The service was quick and we shared a couple bottles of wine. I ordered the paneer Marsala and the veggie quorma. Both had their each unique taste, but so delicious!! Definitely would recommend to friends. read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Great service and ambiance. The dishes are well made and taste very good. This is definitely the spot to go to if you are craving Indian/Pakistani food. Food: 4.5/5 Price: 4.5/5 Experience: 5/5 read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Lamb Kabab Roll - Double - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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The food here really pops-it's so exciting to eat here! My daughter and I shared the samosa chat, the poutine fries and chicken tikka masala and garlic Nan. All so full of flavor, a true party in the mouth. Service was good although our lovely server was very busy! I will never come to Isle of Palms without stopping here. read more

If you've never tried Pakistani or Indian food, this is a great place to start. The menu is small enough that you won't feel overwhelmed, and the staff couldn't be nicer about answering questions or helping you decide what to try. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much since it's located inside the mall, but I was completely wrong. This place blew me away. I dined alone and ordered the "Queen's Road" from their Signature Thalis section. It came with Chicken Tikka Masala and Lohori Cholay, and both were outstanding. The Chicken Tikka Masala was rich and creamy with tender pieces of chicken simmered in a tomato and spice sauce that's equal parts comforting and addictive. The Lohori Cholay, a classic chickpea curry from Lahore, was deeply spiced and full of flavor, with just enough heat to make you keep reaching for more. The meal came with a big bowl of fragrant basmati rice, cooling mint raita, and a bright onion chutney that tied everything together. I added a side of buttered naan (fluffy perfection) and a mango lassi that was sweet, smooth, and refreshing. Everything about the meal was impressive, from the flavors to the generous portions. I left happily full and already planning my next visit. read more

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One of my favorite restaurants I've been to quite a few times in Charleston! it's a Pakistani restaurant such good food and vibes! My only thing is the service is mid. Every time I've been we get forgot about. Have waited over 15 mins several times for are check or we aren't checked on a lot (aka needing more water) You have to try the Dahi Puri! I could literally go and just eat this! Such a burst of flavor! 15/10 If you want to try a few things cause you can't choose. Definitely try one of their Signature Thalis! I've had both the vegetarian options and like the Delhi Gate better 8.5/10 the Shalimar Garden is okay but not my favorite 6/10 Definitely get some naan to dip if your food! I've had garlic and the naan basket. I haven't had a cocktail I like there yet unfortunately but the food makes up for it. read more

That Fried Chicken Pakora, though... Get you some Chicken Tikka and dip those babies in the Masala sauce ... I wonder if they serve that sauce on the side, if not... They totally should! Or serve the Pakora as an entree with rice and the sauce off side. The vibe is always great when you enter... Vibrant colors greet you with the smiling staff. You can get in and out in time for a movie! read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Chicken pakora (GF) - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

This is such a nice addition to Mt. Pleasant's not so diverse food scene. Malikas was my first Pakistani food experience and I must say it was a treat. The service was great and I'm so glad we made a reservation because it was packed. The serve was very knowledgeable about the menu and helped with several recommendations. The appetizer Dahi Puri were little explosions of flavor! I weirdly expected them to be hot so the cold app caught me off guard but I've never had such a small bite have such intense flavors! I ordered the chicken tikka masala and again the flavor was so rich and wonderful. The burger was also great if you have someone in your party who is a little less adventurous. The burger still is different and full of flavor. The naan bread obviously can't be beat and I'm pretty sure I could eat an entire tub! Can't wait to go back and try the Pakistani chai! read more

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I've been here a couple times when in the area and every time I'm pleased with rich, delicious food. It's kinda like an Indian and Pakistani fusion of culinary. Even though the two nations do not get along, this place has combined two great food cultures. It's a bit pricey, but what isn't in Mount Pleasant these days. Highly recommended! read more

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I've always loved dining in at Malika, but never thought to get it to go. I have to say that the experience was equally as excellent. We recently did a to go order for chicken pakora, garlic naan, chicken tikka, chicken biryani, and even mango lassi in a bottle. The packaging was great, the portions were large, and everything tasted just as good as sitting down at the restaurant. read more

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We were at Town Center this past weekend and got to stop into one of our favorite spots, Malika! They have a sister restaurant, downtown called Ma'am Saab (equally as amazing) and got to enjoy a quick lunch before our movie. I love some good portions and it's a perfect place to split a bunch of food and enjoy real Pakistani food. My wife and I split, the Chaat Papri - a chickpea dish, that comes with yogurt, onions, cilantro, and chutneys, and those crisps were the perfect finishing touch - DON'T SLEEP ON THIS DISH! For the main, we split the Chicken Tikka Masala, a great portion for 2, make sure you also order - garlic naan bread (nothing beats dipping it in that sauce)! We also love drinking, their mango lassi, which helps cool down any spicy food. If you are ever around Mount Pleasant and want some flavor-bomb food, head to Malika Canteen, they will take good care of you, enjoy! read more

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Delicious chai and biryani! Big enough for 2 meals for me. It wasn't busy for a week day lunch but seemed to be filling a lot of to go orders. read more

The owners have opened up a more high-end shop downtown, but I actually like this one better. This strip mall joint is a little more casual, but the food quality is high. They've expanded their menu options a bit over time, and the thali I ordered offered a nice variety of tastes and textures. Notably, they have some of the best chickpeas I've ever had, and even the little thali portion was vigorously spicy with fresh peppers and julienned ginger on top. There are several vegetarian options, and while Pakistani cuisine tends even more towards dairy than other South Asian styles, there are some vegan menu items. The sign on the door says chai, and while they have a robust drink menu, I would not skip the chai. They import some special Pakistani tea and it has a distinctive taste that really balances the sweet and spicy elements of the drink. I've had it iced and hot, and I prefer it hot, but either way it's a winner. If I were to say anything against them, the portion isn't huge; I was offered a bread with my thali which seemed like it shouldn't be necessary but I ended up wondering whether maybe it was worthwhile. And their menu could still use some expansion; it puzzles me that they do not have dal or okra. But the difference in flavor here versus an ordinary restaurant is clear to me, and I'd be happy to come back for a tikki burger or something. read more

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Food bursting full of flavor, and amazing customer service! How cool is it that Malika is the first and only Pakistani restaurant in South Carolina?!?! We ordered quite the spread, and there were so many layers of flavor in each bite. We got everything our waitress recommended - from the drinks to the food, and even the kids meals. Here's what we ordered: Drinks: Iced Chai, Mango Lassi, Aperol Spritz, and a couple of Cokes in the glass bottle. Appetizer: Chaat Papri Lunch: Street Burgers & Rolls - Beef Kabob Roll / Signature Thalis - Jahangir's Feast / Curries, Kabab & Rice - Paneer Tikka Masala w/ a side of Garlic Naan / Kids Menu - Cheesewalla Naan, and Chicken & Rice Plate. Don't forget to check out the gallery wall too! So cool to see all the pictures from the owners. And kids eat free all summer long, Tuesdays and Thursday from 11:30am to 2pm. read more

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for me, i really enjoyed this. my food was delicious, very cheesy and rich, our server was nice, and the overall vibe was appealing! my fiancé said his chicken was a little dry but his meal (the chicken tikka masala) was very flavorful so it wasn't a huge blow to him. i thought all of the flavors were rich and worked extremely well together. we will absolutely come back. read more

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I really enjoyed my burger and the loaded fries. They also had a great stew with rice. My friends loved the naan. Very funky vibe. Great for before or after going to the movies down the street! read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Iced chai - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

We were so impressed with Malika! My husband said he doesn't like this kind of food and just went for me. He ordered the chicken biryani and raved about it afterwards! I loved the mango lassi and my paneer tikka masala. My cocktail was really good too and the garlic naan was incredible. I was not expecting the dahi puri to be cold but it was sooooo flavorful and unlike anything I've ever had. Our waitress was attentive and helpful with her suggestions and very friendly! read more

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The food is top notch! A Mount Pleasant gem. I recommend the biriyani, keema or their wraps. The tikka masala is okay - you can get that anywhere. The place is also nicely designed. Would definitely recommend! read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Biriyani and Chicken Tikka Masala - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Malika Canteen was my first experience with Pakistani food. I have no idea if it is "authentic" as I have never been to Pakistan. As far as I know, Malika is the only option for Pakistani food in the Charleston area. My husband and I visited for a date night after shopping at Mount Pleasant Towne Center. On the outside, Malika looks like any other Towne Center restaurant, but the inside sticks out from the usual upscale, preppy, vibe of Mt. P. It's is bright, colorful, and has tons of pictures on the wall. The servers are bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, unique hair Gen Zers who and take orders with handheld POS systems at your table. That speeds up the ordering process so you get your food quickly. The servers pronounced and explained the menu, so if this is your first experience with Pakistani food, you won't feel overwhelmed. For our app, we had the Dahi Puri. This dish had a combination of flavors and textures- with savory, chilled, and crunchiness from the shell. We went with the Thali dishes for entrees, which I recommend because you get two choices (meat or vegetarian). I had the aloo gobi and the paneer tiki masala, and the paneer was my favorite. The aloo gobi is a cauliflower dish and a bit spicy, but the yogurt on the side helped cut the spice without compromising the flavor. My husband's Thali was the tawa queema, which is a beef dish and palak paneer. The Thali dishes are a sampler, great for folks new to Pakistani food, and the portions are large and filling (we had a snack for later). The only thing I didn't care for was the garlic naan, which had an aftertaste. I'll order the buttered naan next time, as naan is a must to complete your meal. If you're looking for a culinary adventure to escape suburbia- without actually leaving suburbia- give Malika Canteen a try. read more

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Located in a shopping area, this is a great venue offering dining in, to go and outside dining. A military discount is available with appropriate ID. Parking is dynamic as it is shared amongst the other businesses in this shopping district. There was no charge for parking and I found parking not to be stressful. Immediately greeted upon entering by the hostess, she was warm and inviting and pleasant to chat with. Many places you frequent don't speak to entering customers and I appreciate that pleasantries were the standard here. Moderate lighting and vivid paintings and art on the wall made the wait for your food very calming. There was minimal wait for the items and they arrived quickly and were appealing to the senses. During this visit, I enjoyed the masala fries and the traditional naan. What brought me here was appetizers prior to going to the movie theater a few doors down. You may find this equally convenient for date night, catching up with friends or your to go orders. The portions were enough to share and were flavorful. Of note, this establishment is cashless. I do think that a larger, well placed sign would benefit new comers so that there's no awkwardness in how to pay. Credit and debit cards are accepted. If in the area, I would return to explore more of the menu and I do feel confident in referring others to dine here. read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Malika! - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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The vibe is cool and our server was supremely kind. Food seems fresh and it is yummy, though not what I'd call authentic. Standard spice levels are very Americanized and tailored to the standard SC palate. If you like heat, definitely ask to crank it up. The naan had a unique flaky quality, again not authentic but an interesting and pleasing twist. Would like to maybe try the pizzas sometime, asking for more heat. When we went to pay with cash we were notified it's a cashless business. That threw me, haven't encountered that at a sit down restaurant. In my opinion, there really needs to be signage visible on the door before entering in case someone doesn't happen to have, or wish to use a card. Update: they do not charge credit card fee read more

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Amazing as always. Great food, service, and vibe. Good selection of beers on tap (though wish the EO Bound by Time wasn't as pricey). Great place to grab food before catching a movie! I got the dhamaka burger. I had the beef version last time but the lamb is much better if you like that flavor. Spices were fantastic and the fries were super crispy even 30 minutes into the meal (I eat slow shh). Masala poutine definitely hit the spot and again, the fries are fantastic. Always love grabbing lunch here when we make our way to Mt. Pleasant! read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Dhamaka lamb burger! - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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A young lady Jessie was our server and she was amazing. Didn't like that we were all placed next to each other but I get it and the spacing between tables we perfect and did not feel crowded. Lee ordered chai tea coffee, wine and mango lassi. To stay with. Also got the Dahi Puri which were by far my favorite food of the year. We also ordered the bread basket which had a lot to offer. My meal was the signature meal with pick 2 options and I can't tell you have good it was. We did ask for Mint Chutney which Jessie was more then helpful and glad to provide. Danny had the tawa qeema which he definitely enjoyed Can't wait to visit again soon. read more

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Great restaurant! The decor is wonderful, servers were cheerful and knowledgeable about the food, and the location is excellent. Parking is abundant! There are several tables outside. The food was good, it's not typical, and I felt it lacked structure. I've had far superior versions of their dishes from a food truck. The plain naan is awful. All fizzy drinks come straight from a can, which was not indicated on their menu. The portions are huge and certainly good value for the money. read more

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[Takeout review] Overall: Willing to go back and try more items, but the prices will give me pause. The good: Great flavors all around. Both the chicken tikka and paneer tikka masalas were delicious, creamy, and wonderfully spiced. The rice was buttery and soft, and the naans were fluffy yet chewy. Food was hot and ready upon pickup, and the staff was friendly as well. The not-so-good: Expensive for what you get, since the portion sizes seemed on the smaller side compared to takeout for similar spots. I wasn't a huge fan of the flavored naan, as they were too strong and came in "globs" of spices on top. The naan itself was great, just not that added flavor. read more

When it says might be the best bite in MTP then it could be true. We had to find out. I mean where do I begin...If you want something flavorful - the chicken masala is out of this world. The Chaat Papri could quite possibly be the best appetizer I've ever had in this short 38 years on earth. Wow. read more

Great good! We ordered to go and it was given to us fast. One order of tikka masala served my husband and I. So big portions!

The "Beef Kabab" pizza was so good and lives rent free in my mind. Yum Yum go get you some and I highly recommend a side of the "Masala" fries. They are mmm mmm good! I can't wait to go and try something new. You can follow along with me over on Instagram @sipbiteandtasteit read more

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Absolutely love this place. Granted I've never been to Pakistan and I don't have much to compare it to but the service was amazing as well as the recommendations and the food. It felt the most authentic I've had in a long time. 10 out of 10 read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Manu - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Malika Pakistani is located in the Mt Pleasant Town Center and there is free parking everywhere (side note: there are electric chargers in the parking garage!). We had the vegetarian thali with palak paneer and paneer tikka masala. The palak paneer was good but the paneer tikka masala was awesome. We also tried the chicken kebab which comes with regular fries but you can upgrade to the masala fries for just a couple dollars (totally worth it). The chicken kebab was pretty big and quite delicious - you can't go wrong with this choice. Overall Malika is a nice restaurant with some interesting dishes and great tasting food! read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Chicken kebab - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Best ever! We've wanted to try this place since it opened and finally made it. Servers were super friendly and very helpful in making menu choices. We started with the Chicken Pakora which was deliciously crispy and well spiced. To help my daughter avoid too much spice, they served the spicy ketchup on the side. Lahori Cholay was my fave entree, and I enjoyed all of the accompaniments on the platter. It is a great way to try a couple of entrees, and I'll order two totally different ones next time. The spice, the freshness of the ingredients, and the amazing flavors made for a wonderful meal. That we ate twice again - breakfast and lunch the next day, I admit. The location is easy to find, right in the Mt. Pleasant Town Center. Parking is plentiful. The dining room is small and intimate, with a mix of tables and banquette seating. Lots of bright colors and pillows make the space fun and inviting. read more

Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen - Vegetarian Platter - Paneer Tikki Masal and Lahori Cholay - Pakistani Near Me - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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I was staying next door at the Hyatt Place (terrible hotel btw) and got take out one evening after reading the reviews. I got the Thali plate and the chicken tikka and saag paneer were outstanding. I would almost say orgasmic as the flavors of the chicken sauce were so on point it was an elevated eating experience. Maybe the cooks put lots of lovin' into the food as I definitely felt so good afterwords~ I even had enough food for another dinner the next night. Would highly recommend the food here! read more

Amazing find in the middle of Mount Pleasant Towne Center Mall. Malika Pakistani offers up traditional and creative takes on Pakistani foods ranging from Samosa Chaat, Tawa Qeema and a scrumptious take on Poutine with Masala Poutine which has a flavorful Pakistani twist to it. Some dishes to consider are Lahori Cholay, Chapli Kabab and Palak Chicken. Naan Pizza of various styles are also available as well as a Dhamaka Burger (which should be upgraded to a Mindblaster). Service was top notch, helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Offering local beers was a big plus. You can't go wrong if you choose this place. Beat the crush to eat there, although it has probably had already happened. read more

This is an amazing, hip, restaurant. The location is great and there is ample parking. Upon entry, you're greeted with a smile. The staff is very friendly. The environmental design is eccentric and unique. It's a step into a Bollywood movie. The food is amazing! There are plenty of gluten free options. The lemonade is a staple and many customers enjoy it. There are also vegan items on the menu. read more

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Phenomenal food. Flavors are so complex, diverse, and amazing. Our server was also extremely attentive and kind. Has to be one of the best ethnic restaurants in Charleston. Will definitely be back. Nice place to sit outside as well. read more

Yummmm My husband and I had an impromptu lunch date and we finally made it to Malika Pakistani Chai Canteen! We started with the Marsala Naan it was soft, yet crisp in certain areas and had an amazing kick to it. I ordered something I never expected but I got the Dhamaka Burger (beef), it was so Unique and and all the flavors complimented each other, it was served with Marsala fries, another flavor blast to my mouth! And I'd totally come back for this same dish! And then my husband ordered the Chicken Tikka Marsala which was served with rice. I am weird with chicken and only Like shredded or very small pieces so I only Ate one piece of meat but that Marsala sauce was everything, and dipping the naan in it made it even better!! All three dishes were bursting with flavor flav!! I can't wait to go back and try more!! read more

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The food in the Charleston area can be very simple. A plain, nonadventurous pallet is always the flavor of the day, so it's refreshing to see something breaking the mold in a big way. I got a massive mix of dishes on the menu. I had the fried chicken pakora, the mindbender(?) burger, the beef wrap, and a mix thali. Each dish was better than the last and with the highlight being the rice. The flavors were solid without being reduced, and I loved the mix. Great service from the knowledgeable staff! I recommend highly! read more

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My husband doesn't eat chicken or vegetarian food and found only one thing he would eat on the entire menu and ordered it, luckily he really enjoyed it. He is happy with the alcohol selection. I liked my palak paneer, I wasn't asked how spicy I wanted it (don't know if they adjust or make it the same way every time) and I would've wanted it spicier. Happy that their bathrooms were clean and the chai was not too sweet (though lots of ice so not much liquid). Has high-chairs for kids (with working buckles). A meal for two adults and one toddler, with one alcoholic beverage and one non-alcoholic beverage, no appetizers, and one naan, was about $75. read more

What a nice addition to Mt. Pleasant's Towne Centre! I was pleasantly surprised to discover a Pakistani restaurant opened up in the town limits, and even more surprised to see it was in the old Q'Doba location. As I was sharing the meal with my parents, I placed an order via telephone for two tikka masalas and one extra slice of naan. The interior is so beautiful, fun, and welcoming. The staff friendly. My food was ready at the time allotted, and the employees seemed to do a good job managing online- and in-person orders, which were abundant. We enjoyed our food. My parents found it spicy, though I did not. I enjoyed the dish, though it wasn't the best I've ever had. The slice of naan bread was good, and a perfect pairing to clean the plate. I do wish there were more options of naan, such as garlic or herb-flavored, but I was easily able to dress the bread up to my liking in the comfort of my own home. The menu at Malika is rather short and simple, but is a breath of fresh air for someone like me who is consistently plagued with decision fatigue. The biggest disadvantage about this place is the distance for parking. I wish they could consider a temporary spot for phone-in/pick-up orders, or consider doing a curbside drop off, for folks who are picking up on-the-go. I am not so sure I will be going out of my way to eat here again in the future for this reason alone, particularly given the requirement to park in the regular mall parking lot, which we all know can be a clusterf depending on day and time. However, I do look forward to enjoying a meal again next time I am shopping or seeing a movie. read more

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If you are looking for something that isn't southern food in the Charleston area....This is a must go to. Everything we got was absolutely incredible. One of the feast platters is defintely a way to go if you want to try a bunch of different items. Dahi Puri there is an absolute must as well. I will think about this place a lot. The chai was perfect as well. Service was impeccable and fast. And the owner was around and made the place feel very homey and not chain like. I appreciate this place in every way. read more

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