Karam Brunch House, with its inclusion of both Yemeni and American options, is the newest restaurant captivating Dearborn, Michigan. Located on Monroe Street, the restaurant has brought new life to a historic building originally built in 1925 as the Memorial Building for the Walter Blankertz VFW post.

Upon entry, the Mediterranean-style speckled terrazzo floor sparkles as natural sunlight pours in from the floor-to-ceiling arched windows, which retain some of the original Art Deco architecture. With textured wall art and an earthy terracotta palette, the curved layout conveys an elevated but warm atmosphere.

As a nonresident of Dearborn, I was delighted to explore something new. On an early Wednesday afternoon, the atmosphere was quiet and relaxing as I was one of the few guests in the restaurant, allowing me to sit down with co-owner and manager Tawfiq Alfakhouri, who is normally very busy attending to the many patrons that come during peak hours. I came at a good time to relax and really hone in on the flavors introduced to me.
The brunch menu boasts diverse flavor profiles from savory falafel to sweet Biscoff cookie pancakes to classic American breakfast sandwiches.

Water is served in brown clay cups, and syrups are served in beautifully ornate ceramic pitchers. The fine details of the restaurant go beyond the table.

Alfakhouri explains, “Everything is made in-house, so everything comes out fresh. We prep every day in the morning.”Alfakhouri gave personal recommendations off the menu. A memorable recommendation he gave was for their mutabak. Stuffed with leek, green onions, and eggs, the mutabak came topped with melted mozzarella and feta. The mutabak had a light, crispy exterior while the onions and eggs were spread evenly, giving balance. Dipped in Yemeni sahawig, also known as “zhug” sauce, it provided an additional element of spice and freshness.

The savory options continued with the falafel bowl. The portions were generous. The falafel was complemented with beet hummus, beet vinaigrette, and pomegranate, adding brightness to the dish. The eggplant, cucumbers, and avocado brought different textures that balanced one another. The falafel was crispy on the outside and soft and savory on the inside, creating a thoughtfully layered meal.

Sweets at Karam Brunch House balance decadence without excess. The pistachio cream pancakes are a perfect example. The homemade pistachio cream has a light, nutty flavor that pairs well with the cream’s sweetness. The pancakes were topped with pistachios, adding a well-rounded texture.

A standout was the Biscoff cookie pancakes. The pancakes were fluffy and perfectly golden brown, topped with a velvety maple-caramel glaze artfully poured in a feathered pattern. They were garnished with whipped cream, strawberries, and a Biscoff cookie, adding to the luxurious aesthetic. Even when enjoyed the next day, the pancakes retain their quality.

On Valentine’s Day, I returned to the brunch house for more. Upon arrival, the atmosphere was lively; almost every seat was taken. I sat across from the kitchen’s entry, giving me a front-row seat to different aromas as waitresses weaved in and out from the kitchen with a variety of entrées.

This time I chose the Avo Toast. Topped with avocado spread, soft scrambled eggs, feta, and fire-roasted tomatoes, the Avo Toast boasted bold flavors of za’atar oil and pomegranate molasses, which added a unique element similar to a balsamic glaze. The dish was plated with a bed of microgreens, creating a fresh visual. I was surprised to see sliced jalapeños on top of the toast, as the menu did not mention this ingredient. I simply shared them with my partner since I do not eat jalapeño. Aside from the unexpected jalapeño slices, the dish was filling and indulged my craving for avocado toast.

Karam Brunch House is home to Dearborn’s only halal non-alcoholic mocktail bar. While it is closed for renovations, the K-Bar, which officially launched last year, will reopen soon with a new mocktail menu. According to Alfakhouri, the inspiration behind the bar was that no one in the city had a halal mocktail bar. The exact details of the updates to the K-Bar have not been released, but the secrecy adds an element of excitement as to what’s to come. Alfakhouri did hint that the changes will complement plans for the restaurant’s upcoming dinner menu.

“People still want to eat brunch after five. So, they want that, and we’re gonna offer them that,” explains Alfakhouri. Karam Brunch House has adjusted its hours in celebration of Ramadan from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Feb. 18 through March 20. An iftar buffet will be served daily, featuring roasted lamb, chicken, fish, and other Yemeni favorites. The buffet is $35 for adults, $15 for children 11 and under, and $25 for carryout.

During the renovation, Karam Brunch House has partnered with the award-winning local Yemeni coffee shop, Qahwah House. When I ordered a refresher, the staff literally walked next door to get it for me.

As a nonresident of Dearborn, I was introduced to new flavors through the Karam Brunch House. The restaurant has seamlessly crafted a culinary collaboration of Yemeni and American brunch. Choosing from the menu is challenging as every dish offers something appetizing and unique. I look forward to returning – perhaps to try the salmon toast next time.

Information on the iftar brunch and other upcoming highlights at Karam Brunch House can be found on their Instagram @karambrunchhouse.