Aktar Islam

In October 2019, Aktar Islam became the first British born Indian Chef to be awarded a Michelin star, and Opheem became the only Michelin starred Indian Restaurant in the UK outside of London.

He left the Lasan Group in 2017 to work on his new, flagship project, Opheem which opened May 2018 and was awarded a Michelin Star in October 2019 making Opheem the first and only Michelin starred Indian restaurant outside of London. Legna was launched Legna in winter 2018.

Aktar Islam is a multiple award-winning English Michelin starred chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur. He left the Lasan Group in 2016 to work on his new, flagship project, Opheem 1 Michelin star and launched his new Italian restaurant, Legna Michelin guide listed in winter 2018. His new group of restaurants concentrate on celebration of ingredients and are dedicated to gastronomy. Both Opheem and Legna have opened to critical acclaim and Opheem has received its first Michelin star in October 2019. Pulperia; an Argentine restaurant concept will open its doors in winter 2019.

In May 2014, Islam was interviewed by Nadia Ali on BBC Asian Network.

In May 2012, Aktar was named Birmingham Young Professional of the Year.

In June 2011, Islam won the Central regional heat to reach the final of the BBC Two series Great British Menu. He went on to win the fish course in the final. Islam's other television appearances include Market Kitchen, Perfect, Saturday Kitchen, and The One Show. He is a regular judge at the South Asian Chef Competition. Along with other celebrity chefs, he attends the BBC Good Food Shows, Autumn Fair, Heart of England Fine Foods, Food & Drink Expo, Taste festivals, Grand Design LIVE and Sharon Osbourne's Mrs. Osbourne Presents.

In 2011, Aktar came first in the BBC TV Series, The Great British Menu.

In 2010, Islam and sous chef, Aysan Shaikh, beat Curry Corner from Cheltenham on Channel 4's The F Word after beating Santa Maria (South American cuisine) and Sweet Mandarin (Chinese cuisine) in the semi-final. Aktar Islam then went on to win the overall final, after beating The Pheasant from Keystone.

In 2010, Aktar won 'Best Local Restaurant' on Gordon Ramsay's The F Word.

In 2009, Aktar Islam was crowned champion by Gordon Ramsay on Channel 4's The F Word. In June 2011, he won the fish course in the final of the BBC Two series Great British Menu.

In 2007, he launched his cookbook and DVD, called the Spice of Life, in collaboration with Warwick University Medical school.

Islam lives in Birmingham and has a son, Alex (born 2007).

Islam was born and brought up in Birmingham, England. His parents are from Bangladesh and came to Britain in the late 1970s. He is the second eldest of five sons.