Aktar Islam is the Chef Patron of Opheem in Birmingham, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most innovative Indian restaurants.
Self-taught and inspired by his mother’s cooking, the diverse culinary culture of his home city, and his travels across the Indian subcontinent, Aktar has become one of the leading figures of modern Indian cuisine and a key voice in the British dining scene.
Since opening Opheem, Aktar has earned numerous accolades for redefining Indian fine dining through a bold and contemporary approach that balances authenticity with creativity. His work has been celebrated for elevating Birmingham’s gastronomic profile on both national and international stages.
Beyond the kitchen, Aktar is a familiar face on British television, having launched his career on Channel 4’s The F Word before becoming a regular guest on The One Show, Saturday Kitchen, and Rick Stein’s Food Stories. He is also a respected mentor on MasterChef: The Professionals and a long-time judge on Great British Menu, where his expertise and passion continue to inspire the next generation of chefs.