He’s opening his debut restaurant in the capital this spring
Aktar Islam is one of the biggest chefs in Britain – as well as being a regular on the telly, he holds two Michelin stars for his Birmingham restaurant Opheem, one of only two Indian restaurants in the UK (the other being Gymkhana) and four worldwide to hold the accolade. Now he’s coming to the capital to open Oudh 1722 this spring.
Opening across three floors in a listed Victorian building in Borough, Oudh 1722 will showcase Islam’s interpretation of Awadhi cuisine. Originating in Lucknow, which has been listed a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Awadhi cooking was shaped in the royal courts of northern India and is known for its kebabs, biryanis and curries made using the dum pukht method of slow-cooking over a low flame.
Alongside a 300-strong wine list, the menu at Oudh 1722 will include dishes like:
- Nargisi kofta – soft golden egg yolk and spiced venison
- Kakori kebab of finely minced lamb shoulder with chilli and rose
- Lasooni jinga of king prawn with garlic and raw mango
- Dahi paneer with cultured cream and fenugreek
- Raan-e-dum pukht – smoked Wiltshire lamb shoulder baked in a lamb-fat crust
- Mutanjan dum biryani of oxtail and aged basmati
- Zameen doz machli – whole turbot slow-cooked in spiced ghee with brown shrimp and saalan
- Tandoori poussin with smoked tomato and cream
- Aylesbury duck with beetroot curry
- Gobhi mussalam – roasted cauliflower in toasted poppy seed korma with seasonal truffle
- Awadhi nimish – aerated saffron soft serve enriched with almonds
Speaking about the launch, Islam said: “Awadhi cuisine represents a rich culinary tradition I have always deeply respected, yet one rarely seen in its authentic form here in the UK. With Oudh 1722, the intention is to bring the flavours of Awadh to London, drawing on the techniques, generosity and sense of hospitality that defined the Nawabi courts of Lucknow.”
Key Information
Opening date | Fri 1st May 2026
Address | 66 Union St, London SE1 1TD
For more information | oudh1722.com
