The city of Birmingham is a cultural hub of innovation and wonderful creations. The food scene here has exploded over the last decade and currently has the honour of possessing four Michelin stars (compared to Manchester’s that’s a decent result for the midlands). We Love Brum have taken great pleasure in exploring the city’s many culinary delights, and we are going to shine a light on the restrunt we feel is one of the most innovative in the United Kingdom, Opheem.
Opheem offers more than just a meal; it provides a glimpse into the creative mind behind the dishes. The goal is to challenge the traditional boundaries of Indian cuisine by blending flavours with culinary techniques from across the globe. Whether drawing from time-honoured methods or embracing cutting-edge innovation, the aim is to craft something familiar yet entirely new. The same ingredients are used to paint a different picture on a canvas that reimagines what Indian dining can be. This is one of the reasons Opheem gained a coveted Michelin star back in 2019. Chef Aktar’s attention to detail when creating his dishes is extraordinary, and honestly, the team here at We Love Brum are surprised the restaurant hasn’t gained another Michelin star since.
Chef Aktar holds the belief that cooking is a defining human trait, one that allows for evolution and growth. While many hold tightly to the comfort of past culinary traditions, opheem seeks to break away from that mould, offering a version of Indian cuisine that is rooted in history but driven by progression.
Honouring India’s Culinary Legacy
Now Opheem having a Michelin star is a great boon for the city of Birmingham, but it is important to understand where the food came from originally and its many traditions. India boasts one of the richest food cultures in the world, shaped over centuries by waves of influence from invaders and settlers. This ability to absorb and refine outside influences has allowed Indian cuisine to evolve continuously. Bringing a slice of that evolution to the UK feels like the natural next step and Opheem executes this perfectly.
When earlier generations migrated from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to the UK they often focused on work, with the idea that they might one day return home. As time passed, many stayed, becoming part of British society while holding onto their culinary traditions. For some, this attachment to the past serves as a comfort. However, the dishes served at Opheem reflect a forward-looking approach, a departure from nostalgia, offering a fresh take on Indian cuisine.
A Journey From Aston To Opheem
Coming from a humble background in Aston, north Birmingham, the journey to creating Opheem has been shaped by personal experience. As a child of hardworking Bangladeshi immigrants, Chef Aktar took his first steps into the culinary world working at a family restaurant at the age of 16. introducing a new dish or serving a guest was seen as both a duty and a privilege.
Chef Aktar stated that: “From an early age, there was a sense that there was more to discover. a feeling of being an outsider at times, but also a drive to showcase the richness of one’s cultural heritage. The ambition was clear: to craft dishes inspired by the royal kitchens of India, bringing the food of emperors to life in a modern context.”
“Cooking has long been a space for creative freedom. With each new ingredient, technique, and dish, boundaries were pushed both personally and professionally. Over time, the kitchen became a place of exploration and expression, free from societal constraints. It is this philosophy that shapes the experience at Opheem today.”
At Opheem, the journey is one of constant evolution, the dishes are unique but also familiar, and the kitchen and front of house are out of this world. Of course with Opheem being a Michelin-star restaurant based in a busy city like Birmingham demand is high, so if you want to step into this world of culinary delights, booking is essential.
