[7] The story focuses on the lives of five Lebanese women dealing with issues such as forbidden love, binding traditions, repressed sexuality, the struggle to accept the natural process of age, and duty versus desire.

Labaki's film is unique for not showcasing a war-ravaged Beirut but rather a warm and inviting locale where people deal with universal issues.

The title of the film refers to an epilation method that consists of heating sugar, water and lemon juice.

Rose, a tailoress with a shop next to the salon, is an old woman who has devoted her life to taking care of her mentally unbalanced elder sister Lili, and has found her first love.

An old clothes shop in the Gemmayzeh area of Beirut District was transformed into a salon where the filming of the movie took place.

The website's critical consensus states, "Caramel is both an astute cultural study, and a charming comedic drama from a talented newcomer.