42 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Because of their passion for blending culture with the soul of Mount Pleasant, these families are adding a colorful dash of flavor to the Lowcountry, transporting friends and neighbors to other worlds where ethnic cuisine stirs in layers of depth and richness. MALIKA Born and raised in Pakistan, Maryam Ghaznavi grew up in the heart of her family’s home, the kitchen, where she became the “chief taste tester” of her sister, mother and grandmother’s fragrant biryanis, karahis, saags and kababs. As a young girl, Ghaznavi enjoyed venturing out with family and friends into the bustling streets lined with vendors and roadside cafes called dhabas, where they savored snacks such as chaats and biryanis. With a passion for cooking and tasting the exquisite flavors of these and other such textured dishes, Ghaznavi decided to become a chef. When Ghaznavi relocated from her home country to Canada, she met native Pakistani Raheel Gauba, who is now her husband. Then, after moving to Charleston, Ghaznavi and Gauba launched a meal delivery service featuring their fast casual Pakistani street food concept, which led to running a pop-up at the Warehouse in 2020. That venture was so successful that in 2021, Ghaznavi, executive chef and owner, along with Gauba, creative director and co-owner, opened Malika Canteen in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. As Ghaznavi said, “Malika was created to deliver the flavors, sights and sounds that mean the world to me, but what I hope you’ll walk away with are moments that you will cherish forever.” In 2023, due to the growing popularity of the brand, they opened a second restaurant, Ma’am Saab, downtown on Meeting Street. To spice up your day, reserve a table at malikacanteen.com. PATTAYA THAI When Bunpo Lor, his wife Chheng Hong, their son Devit Lor and daughter Kim Lor moved to Charleston from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2006, the family spoke little to no English. According to Kim, that challenge didn’t deter the family from pursuing their dream of a better life in America. When an aunt who owned a Pattaya Thai restaurant had openings for cooks, Bunpo and Chheng didn’t hesitate to take on the role. In 2015, after spending seven years in the kitchen at Pattaya, Bunpo and Chheng bought the restaurant, named for the famous beach in Thailand. By Familial Flavors Family-run businesses spicing up the kitchen BY SARAH ROSE family Maryam and Raheel from Malika Lor family from Pattaya Thai
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