Dine like a local: chef Aktar Islam’s guide to Birmingham

The Opheem chef shares his favourite Birmingham bites and sips, from fried chicken to bao, to fresh seafood and cocktails

Aktar Islam

09 Dec 2024

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Photo by Lulu Black on Unsplash

The Opheem chef shares his favourite Birmingham bites and sips, from fried chicken to bao, to fresh seafood and cocktails

Birmingham is an exciting city for food, a culinary melting pot with fantastic talent. There are more Michelin-approved restaurants in Birmingham than in any other UK city outside London, but it’s not all fine dining, there are also plenty of great street food stalls, neighbourhood restaurants, independent cafes and more.

Fried chicken at Bonehead

Bonehead

Bonehead is the best fried chicken spot in Birmingham, their ‘Bonehead’ and ‘Hothead’ seasonings are corkers. I usually get the burgers or the strips, with a side of Nashville fries. If I’m feeling brave, I’ll get a pickleback too, they are punchy!

A cocktail at Couch. Photo by @hankandmargotuk

Couch

Couch is a neighborhood bar in Stirchley, also known to locals as ‘Strich Vegas.’ It’s No4 in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2024 for a reason. I love the concept: handcrafted cocktails based on their own greatest hits, I’m particularly fond of The Nancy. Their small snack selection is also worth a mention—who doesn’t love a Mini Cheddar?

Madeleine Bar

I love the Madeleine Bar at The Grand Hotel. Plush seating, soft furnishings, chandeliers, double-height windows and fantastic cocktails—what’s not to like? It’s a great date night spot.

Meats at Qavali

Qavali

Qavali is an Indo-Persian restaurant which takes its inspiration from the Indian subcontinent and uses spices and techniques rooted everywhere from Turkey to India. Marinated meat is grilled over charcoal and often served in richly spiced sauces and broths.

The Oyster Club by Adam Stokes

The Oyster Club is the place to go if you want fresh shellfish and seafood. If you know me then you know that I love oysters, simple and uncomplicated—I like mine with a touch of Tabasco and a glass of Champagne.

Tiger Bites Pig

I’m a big fan of Tiger Bites Pig. Grab a counter seat and watch them smash out some of the best Taiwanese bao buns in the UK. My favorite is the chicken, it’s seasoned with Sichuan chili oil and topped with chicken crackle.

Tropea. Photo: Tom Bird

Tropea

A delicious local Italian, Tropea embodies everything that a neighborhood restaurant should be. The food is fuss free and led by Italy’s wonderful produce. The mostly Italian drinks list is also a nice touch.

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About the author

Aktar Islam is transforming the perception of Indian cuisine in the UK. As the chef-owner of Birmingham’s Opheem, a groundbreaking two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Islam has...

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