Four Hands Dining: Chef Aktar Islam Joins Atul Kochhar

Please note that this is a sample menu for this exclusive event. To explore our latest seasonal offerings and regional Pan-Indian delicacies, we invite you to view our current menus.

A multiple award-winning chef, Aktar Islam is the Chef Patron of Opheem, Birmingham’s first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. Earlier this year, Opheem was awarded a prestigious second Michelin star, making it the city’s only two-star dining destination and one of merely four two-Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in the world. We are honoured to welcome his remarkable culinary talent to Kanishka for this exclusive Four Hands dining event.

Born in Birmingham to Bangladeshi parents, Aktar’s journey in hospitality began during his teenage years while working in his father’s kitchen. It was there he discovered a profound passion for cooking, setting him on a path to become one of the UK’s most exciting and visionary chefs.

Pushing the Boundaries of Modern Pan-Indian Cuisine

At Opheem, Aktar continuously pushes the boundaries of Indian flavours. By masterfully blending traditional heritage with contemporary techniques, he has forged a truly unique modern cooking style that celebrates exceptional British produce. His philosophy harmonises perfectly with Chef Atul Kochhar’s dedication to showcasing the vibrant, unexplored sister states of India.

Beyond his celebrated restaurant work, Aktar is a familiar face on British television. He was crowned champion by Gordon Ramsay on Channel 4’s The F Word, won the fish course in the final of BBC Two’s Great British Menu, and regularly shares his expertise on beloved programmes such as MasterChef: The Professionals, Saturday Kitchen, and The One Show. Join us for a memorable evening of fine dining and authentic hospitality as these two culinary masters unite.