Enter a world of pure imagination with Karam! Dedicated to satisfying your sweet tooth, this Hong Kong-based small business uses high-quality ingredients to create authentic Middle Eastern flavours with a health-conscious twist. Born from a yearning for a taste of home and a desire to share recipes with her family, Karam founder Alia Amer offers incredible desserts that taste unique yet familiar. Along with Karamโs version of the uber-viral Dubai Chocolate that has stolen both screens and stomachs, creative twists on baklava, brownies, stuffed dates, and cake have allowed Alia to share her culture with the 852 community โ all through her passion for the culinary arts.
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Hometown Flavours Explored With Authenticity
Though deeply connected to her Jordanian-Palestinian roots, Alia only fully embraced her passion for cooking when her mother encouraged her to share her talents. Frustrated byย the lack of authentic Middle Eastern flavours in Hong Kong, Alia began recreating the dishes of her heritage for her family โ and eventually, for others. Inspired by her beloved mother (whose name, Karam, became the brandโs namesake), she honed her skills by teaching cooking classes, bringing Arabic recipes into more homes.
Soon after her motherโs passing, the viral frenzy around โDubai Chocolateโ in 2024 sparked an idea. Determined to put her own spin on the trend, Aliaย crafted a luxurious version using organic pistachio butter, luscious Kunafah, and the finest French Valrhona and Italian chocolate. The result was an instant hit! Wrapped in the red and white of Hong Kongโs flag, each piece was a love letter to both of Aliaโs homes. Overnight, Karam became more than a brand; it became a taste of home for the diaspora, and a delicious discovery for new fans.
For Alia, Karam has always been more than a business โ a labour of love, driven by a desire to showcase the ingredients she cherishes used to their full potential. Her Stuffed Pistachio Kunafah Dates and signature Dubai Chocolate both reveal this dedication, each creation highlighting Aliaโs intimate understanding of the ingredients and a fearless creativity that make Middle Eastern cuisine shine.
A Cultural Eye For Creativity
Itโs through Aliaโs deep understanding of the essence of her cultureโs cuisine that allows Karam to go beyond simply following already existing recipes line-by-line. Experimenting with the vibrant traditions of Middle Eastern food, Karam crafts wholly original yet comforting treats that bring the love and taste of Aliaโs hometown to the tables of Hong Kong in the sweetest way.
Further incensed to bring original Jordanian and Palestinian flavours to the Hong Kong community, Karam also won over dessert-lovers with its Walnut and Pistachio Baklava โ a perfect mixture of indulgence and refinement. But one of Karamโs greatest triumphs came from Aliaโs creative vision: a signature chocolate cake crafted with luxurious Dubai Chocolate. Instantly celebrated for its unique design, velvety texture, and irresistibly rich flavour, the cake became a standout sensation.
Health-Conscious Richness
In addition to being a master of flavour, Karam builds each dessert with a health-conscious foundation, creating treats that nourish both body and soul. With Alia’s athletic background as a member of Jordanโs national gymnastics team(!), she brings a performance-driven mindset to every recipe โ prioritising top-tier, all-natural ingredients free from preservatives and stabilisers, allowing pure, honest flavours to shine through.
Grounded in a deep respect for her Middle Eastern heritage, Alia transforms time-honoured favourites โ like a guilt-free baklava that still offers its signature crunch โ into elevated, nutrient-rich versions. Karamโs creations strike a rare balance: rich in cultural storytelling, irresistibly satisfying, and designed with todayโs wellness values in mind.
This post is in partnership with Karam.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
