If you’re a fan of Indian food, are plugged into the wider UK food scene, or keep up to date with the latest Michelin news, you’ve likely heard of Aktar Islam. The celebrated Birmingham chef is the culinary force behind the two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Opheem. And building off his success with the Brummies, he’s turning his eyes to London. That’s right, folks, Aktar Islam is set to open his first-ever restaurant in the capital this spring, bringing even more top-notch Indian cookery to the city.
The new spot, Oudh 1722, will open in Borough, joining a host of other restaurants from Michelin-starred chefs. These include Spring Street Pizza, which Chef Tom Kemble opened last year, as well as burger spot Heard. The latter opened last year courtesy of burger-obsessed Chef Jordan Bailey, and both are the result of Michelin-starred chefs chasing perfection in their favourite foods. But Oudh 1722 is set to be a far more opulent affair.
Oudh 1722
When it opens this spring, Oudh 1722 will span an impressive three storeys, housed within a listed Victorian building. And to match the impressive setting, Islam has gone back in time to draw inspiration from royal feasts and palaces.
Standing out from London’s wealth of Indian eateries, Oudh 1722 will focus on Awadhi cuisine. This regional style of food and cooking has its roots in the royal courts of Northern India, and is a rarely seen cooking tradition in the capital. The cuisine originated in Lucknow, which has “long [been] regarded as one of India’s great culinary centres and [was] recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy.”
The name itself comes from the Awadhi region, as well as the “year that nods to the roots of its cuisine”. The menu will feature Islam’s interpretation of Awadhi cooking, exploring the region’s specific dishes, cooking traditions, and techniques. These include time-intensive cooking methods designed to slow cook foods and “gently build depth and flavour”. Guests can expect everything “from silken kebabs and intricately layered biryanis to richly aromatic curries”.
Aktar Islam
Born and raised in Birmingham, Aktar Islam’s culinary career started at the age of 13 when he started helping in his father’s restaurant. He has since spent more than two decades in the industry, giving Indian cuisine the respect and prestige it deserves. This dedication helped his restaurant Opheem to earn its second Michelin star in 2024. It’s now one of only two Indian restaurants in the UK, and four in the world, to hold two stars.
Image: @aktarislam_ & @opheemrestaurant
Said Islam of the new opening in London:
“Awadhi cuisine represents a rich culinary tradition I have always deeply respected, yet one rarely seen in its authentic form here in the UK. With Oudh 1722, the intention is to bring the flavours of Awadh to London, drawing on the techniques, generosity and sense of hospitality that defined the Nawabi courts of Lucknow.”
Oudh 1722 will open in Borough this Spring. Keep up to date with the latest news on the opening here.