Words by Aude Camus
Welcome back to The French Edit, my recently launched series where I spotlight French entrepreneurs who’ve made Hong Kong their creative playground – and there are quite a few of them.
Look beyond the expected pastry counters and wine bars (don’t get me wrong, I love those), and you’ll find French creativity taking shape in more unexpected ways. Today, I’m inviting you into one of my personal guilty pleasures: snacking.
Founded by French entrepreneur Olivia Niddam (whom I actually met a few years ago when she was working with specialised French pastry house L’Éclair de Génie), Maison Kārya reimagines everyday nut snacking through the lens of French craftsmanship. Think beautifully roasted, delicately flavoured, sometimes chocolate-coated creations that feel closer to a boutique confection than a pantry staple.
What I love most is the intention behind it. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but elevating something simple into a daily ritual. A natural evolution of Olivia’s own lifestyle: “My lifestyle has naturally become more health conscious. I wanted to create something I genuinely love eating every day. Maison Kārya fills that gap – it’s healthy, but still feels elevated and special.”
A French Approach to Wellness
At Maison Kārya, the philosophy is clear: wellness should feel indulgent. Olivia sources her premium ingredients globally – cashews from Vietnam, pistachios from Turkey, macadamias from Australia – before transforming them through traditional roasting techniques inspired by French savoir-faire. The result is a collection that sits somewhere between health food and fine treat, without leaning too heavily into either.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of French gastronomy” says Olivia. “Even after moving to the US and Asia, that appreciation stayed with me. Working early on with artisans like Jean-Paul Hévin and Christophe Adam really set the bar. Maison Kārya is the natural evolution of that – combining artisanal excellence with high-quality, healthy ingredients.”
It’s the kind of balance that feels very French: thoughtful, sensory, and never restrictive.
Flavours That Travel
Welcome back to The French Edit, my recently launched series where I spotlight French entrepreneurs who’ve made Hong Kong their creative playground – and there are quite a few of them.
Look beyond the expected pastry counters and wine bars (don’t get me wrong, I love those), and you’ll find French creativity taking shape in more unexpected ways. Today, I’m inviting you into one of my personal guilty pleasures: snacking.
Founded by French entrepreneur Olivia Niddam (whom I actually met a few years ago when she was working with specialised French pastry house L’Éclair de Génie), Maison Kārya reimagines everyday nut snacking through the lens of French craftsmanship. Think beautifully roasted, delicately flavoured, sometimes chocolate-coated creations that feel closer to a boutique confection than a pantry staple.
What I love most is the intention behind it. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but elevating something simple into a daily ritual. A natural evolution of Olivia’s own lifestyle: “My lifestyle has naturally become more health conscious. I wanted to create something I genuinely love eating every day. Maison Kārya fills that gap – it’s healthy, but still feels elevated and special.”
A French Approach to Wellness
At Maison Kārya, the philosophy is clear: wellness should feel indulgent. Olivia sources her premium ingredients globally – cashews from Vietnam, pistachios from Turkey, macadamias from Australia – before transforming them through traditional roasting techniques inspired by French savoir-faire. The result is a collection that sits somewhere between health food and fine treat, without leaning too heavily into either.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of French gastronomy” says Olivia. “Even after moving to the US and Asia, that appreciation stayed with me. Working early on with artisans like Jean-Paul Hévin and Christophe Adam really set the bar. Maison Kārya is the natural evolution of that – combining artisanal excellence with high-quality, healthy ingredients.”
It’s the kind of balance that feels very French: thoughtful, sensory, and never restrictive.
Flavours That Travel
Each creation feels like a small postcard from somewhere.
The Truffle Cashew is rich and aromatic, unmistakably rooted in French gastronomy – and Olivia’s favourite. The Za’atar Almond brings a warm, spiced depth that leans into Middle Eastern influences. Then there’s the Wasabi Cashew – bold, slightly addictive, and a nod to Niddam’s time in Tokyo.
And if, like me, you believe chocolate deserves a place in every category, you’ll appreciate the more indulgent side of the collection : chocolate-coated nuts, coffee beans, and a dangerously good crunchy hazelnut spread. There’s also the milk and dark chocolate corn – “addictive, and perfect to share with my girls,” according to Olivia – a statement I can fully get behind after trying them myself.
One tip: approach the Salted Caramel Chocolate Almonds with caution. Once you start, it’s game over.
A Pop-Up Worth Stopping For – until 22 July 2026
You’ll find Maison Kārya’s debut collection at its pop-up in Pacific Place, where rows of glass jars and beautifully designed gift boxes create an almost apothecary-like feel.
Everything is designed to last beyond the initial purchase – from reusable packaging to curated sets that feel genuinely giftable (or, realistically, hard to give away).
If you’re passing through Admiralty, it’s worth stepping in. Even just for a browse.
The Truffle Cashew is rich and aromatic, unmistakably rooted in French gastronomy – and Olivia’s favourite. The Za’atar Almond brings a warm, spiced depth that leans into Middle Eastern influences. Then there’s the Wasabi Cashew – bold, slightly addictive, and a nod to Niddam’s time in Tokyo.
And if, like me, you believe chocolate deserves a place in every category, you’ll appreciate the more indulgent side of the collection : chocolate-coated nuts, coffee beans, and a dangerously good crunchy hazelnut spread. There’s also the milk and dark chocolate corn – “addictive, and perfect to share with my girls,” according to Olivia – a statement I can fully get behind after trying them myself.
One tip: approach the Salted Caramel Chocolate Almonds with caution. Once you start, it’s game over.
A Pop-Up Worth Stopping For – until 22 July 2026
You’ll find Maison Kārya’s debut collection at its pop-up in Pacific Place, where rows of glass jars and beautifully designed gift boxes create an almost apothecary-like feel.
Everything is designed to last beyond the initial purchase – from reusable packaging to curated sets that feel genuinely giftable (or, realistically, hard to give away).
If you’re passing through Admiralty, it’s worth stepping in. Even just for a browse.
