Opheem

Opheem is one of only two Indian restaurants in the entire United Kingdom to hold two Michelin stars, the other being Gymkhana in London. Located in Birmingham, directly next door to the University College Birmingham, Opheem was founded with a deliberate mission to invest in the next generation of chefs, with the owner working closely with the university to give young culinary talent a place to grow. The restaurant is led by a young, passionate team and is guided by a philosophy of constant improvement. The menu celebrates British seasonal ingredients while drawing on culinary traditions from across the Indian subcontinent, spanning regions from Lucknow and Sindh to the Afghan and Pakistani border and the Indo-Nepalese highlands.

The reviewer describes Opheem as an extraordinary dining adventure, highlighting the exceptional service and the progression of courses that continually exceeded expectations. Each dish was a peak moment, with the venison, carrot, and potato courses standing out as the best ever tasted. The experience was unlike any typical Indian restaurant, leaving a lasting impression and earning the highest possible praise from the reviewer.

Opheem is not a restaurant you visit for a quick meal. It is an experience that unfolds over several hours and leaves you genuinely reluctant to leave. Every dish tells a story about a specific region of India or a historical culinary tradition, and the kitchen takes the time to explain each one before you eat it, adding a layer of context that makes every bite more meaningful. The carrot course is a genuinely surprising highlight. It sounds simple on paper but arrives as one of the most thoughtfully constructed dishes you will encounter anywhere, with every part of the vegetable used and a korma sauce that is rich, aromatic, and quietly brilliant. The venison main is spectacular, bringing together three different preparations in a curry sauce built entirely on natural collagen from roasted bones. The fermented cultured butter served with the haleem bread is the kind of detail that signals a kitchen operating at the very top of its game. For a meal that costs around £145 per person, Opheem delivers something genuinely rare. Not just excellent food, but a complete and memorable dining experience.

Opheem, opened by chef Aktar Islam in Birmingham, is the first Indian restaurant outside London to earn a Michelin star. Islam, a Brummie native, is celebrated for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. The restaurant is known for its ambitious tasting menus and modern interpretations of classic dishes.

The visit to Opheem showcased chef Aktar Islam's inventive take on Indian cuisine, moving beyond tradition with a 10-course tasting menu. The reviewer was impressed by the clever use of coconut milk, the smoky marinated fish, and the evolution of Indian food in Birmingham. The experience highlighted both the technical skill and the creative journey of the chef, reflecting the city's dynamic food scene.

Opheem stands as a beacon of Birmingham's culinary renaissance, where tradition meets innovation on every plate. Chef Aktar Islam's journey from classic Indian roots to a Michelin-starred, modernist approach is evident in each carefully crafted dish. The smoky marinated fish, enriched with coconut milk and curried butter, encapsulates the restaurant's philosophy: honoring heritage while embracing evolution. The tasting menu is not just a meal but a narrative of Birmingham's diverse palate, leaving diners inspired and eager for the future of Indian cuisine.