Aktar Islam, owner of two Michelin Star restaurant Opheem, appeared on James Martin’s show for the first time today, Saturday, May 10
Aktar Islam(Image: Great British Menu)
A Birmingham chef has spoken out about his debut appearance on ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning.
Aktar Islam is one of Birmingham’s most highly-celebrated chefs, the only one in our city to be awarded two Michelin Stars.
He makes his debut appearance on ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning today, May 10.
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The chef is a veteran judge on the Great British Menu and has served as a mentor on MasterChef: The Professionals as well as appearing on Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word.
However, Aktar hadn’t been on James Martin’s ITV show before, despite the pair being ‘a friend’ he’s ‘worked with for years’.
Aktar appears on the programme to prepare his signature Orkney scallop dish that gets rave reviews from customers at his city centre dining room.
The chef, know for his ‘progressive Indian cuisine’ shared a photo of himself with James Martin and other show guests Jodie Kidd, Cornish restauranteur Emily Scott and chef Corrin Harrison from Gwen Restaurant in Machynlleth, Wales.
Aktar told followers online: “Exciting news! This Saturday morning at 9.30am, I make my debut appearance on Saturday Morning Kitchen with the fantastic James Martin – a friend; someone I’ve known and worked with for years.
“It was an absolute pleasure catching up with him, alongside my fellow guests: the incredibly glamorous model/pub landlord Jodie Kidd, chef and author Emily Scott and chef Corrin Harrison from the renowned Restaurant Gwen.
“I had the opportunity to showcase one of my signature dishes; Orkney scallops with Indian XO and almond korma.
“Cooking in such great company made the experience all the more special, and the kitchen was filled with mouthwatering flavours and great conversation.
“A huge thank you to James and the team for having me; it was a truly memorable morning of delicious food, laughter, and shared culinary passion.
“Looking forward to sharing more of my journey with you all!”
Aktar’s restaurant Opheem, on Summer Row, is known for its exquisite fine dining menus.
Opheem was the only Indian restaurant in Britain, outside of the capital, to win the soughtafter star when it was awarded it in 2019. It was given its second star in 2024.
James Martin’s Saturday Morning is on ITV today, Saturday, May 10 at 9:30am.