In the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, sits Opheem – the city’s first two Michelin-starred restaurant. But for head chef and owner Aktar, it’s more than a destination for fine dining. It’s a reflection of heritage, creativity, and a love for the city that raised him.

Let’s step behind the kitchen doors and explore a day in the life of the chef who’s redefining Indian cuisine in Birmingham.
 


From Birmingham beginnings to Michelin heights

Aktar’s culinary journey is rooted in family. His mother’s kitchen was his first classroom, a place where ingredients could transform into “a bowl of gold.”

“She would take whatever she had and combine it in unexpected ways,” he says. “It’s like alchemy in that sense – that’s the magic of it. I wanted to bring that sense of wonder to every plate at Opheem.”

Since opening in 2018, Aktar has been blending traditional Indian flavours with British ingredients and international cooking techniques – some centuries-old, others cutting-edge. The result? A menu that’s bold, inventive, and unmistakably his own.

Morning prep: precision and passion

A day at Opheem begins long before the first diners arrive. Aktar and his team move with meticulous precision through the kitchen. Every spice is measured, every plate considered.

“Our approach to Indian food and British ingredients is totally unique,” he explains. “It’s this combination that’s brought us to where we are today.”

From sourcing the finest local produce to experimenting with new techniques, each dish reflects Aktar’s dedication to both excellence and innovation.
 


A love letter to Birmingham

For Aktar, Opheem is more than a restaurant – it’s a testament to his love for the city.

“My journey to Opheem was both a celebration of my love for good food and sharing that with people,” he says. “But it’s also about my love for Birmingham. I felt we needed to invest in our own, and that’s what Opheem became.”

The city’s rich cultural mix is a constant source of inspiration. “Birmingham is incredible because it has everything,” Aktar explains. “We’ve got so many different cultures, and that diversity shows in the food we make and the people we serve. We’re not one colour, we’re not one language – we’re the world.”
 

Experiencing the magic

A visit to Opheem is as much about the experience as the food. Each dish tells a story – of heritage, technique, and the creative mind behind it. From subtle spices to bold flavour combinations, diners are invited to see the world through Aktar’s eyes, one plate at a time.

For locals and visitors alike, Opheem offers a taste of what makes Birmingham’s culinary scene exceptional: innovation, diversity, and a deep-rooted pride in the city itself.
 


Plan your visit

Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of Indian cuisine, or simply curious about the city’s dining landscape, Opheem is a must-visit. Book a table to experience the alchemy of Aktar’s kitchen and see why Birmingham’s first two Michelin-starred restaurant has captured the hearts – and palates – of so many.