Birmingham's Opheem Crowned 'Best Restaurant Ever' by Influential Food YouTuber
A prominent YouTuber known for traveling across the United Kingdom to review culinary destinations has bestowed the ultimate accolade upon a Birmingham city centre establishment. Gary Eats, whose real name is Gary Hanna, has amassed a substantial following of over 430,000 subscribers through his vibrant and candid food critiques. In a recent video that has captured significant attention, he visited Opheem, an Indian restaurant located on Summer Row, and declared it "the best restaurant" he has ever experienced.
Michelin-Starred Excellence Meets Honest Review
Opheem, operated by acclaimed chef Aktar Islam, recently earned its second Michelin Star, adding to its prestigious reputation. During the visit, Aktar Islam personally engaged with Gary, providing detailed explanations about the ingredients and intricate preparation methods behind each dish. This interaction highlighted the restaurant's commitment to culinary artistry and transparency.
Gary opted for the five-course tasting menu, priced at £145, which showcased a sophisticated blend of traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques. His culinary journey began with gajar, a dish featuring lentil pakora, tandoori carrot, and a mint and coriander garnish. He expressed astonishment, stating, "I can't believe I'm getting excited about carrot and lentil pakora. The aroma is incredible. That's the best carrot I've ever tasted in my life, enhanced by a creamy korma sauce that adds another layer of flavor."
A Detailed Exploration of Each Course
The second course, aloo tuk, consisted of pink fir potato mixed with tamarind, a popular Indian snack. Gary humorously remarked, "I'm now turning into a vegetarian," before praising the dish as "beautiful." However, his vegetarian phase was short-lived with the arrival of the third course: Haleem, a meaty porridge made from mutton, served with lamb tendon stock and milk bread. He noted, "I don't know how many elements are in this porridge. I'm getting crunchiness with a background of spices, and while you can taste the lamb, there's also an oat flavor from the porridge itself."
For the main course, Gary savored an Asian-inspired venison dish accompanied by Nepalese-style dumplings. He admitted, "Venison isn't something I usually order in restaurants because it's rather expensive. In fact, it's very dear," but he was thoroughly impressed, declaring the dumpling "the best I've ever had." The meal concluded with Seb, a samosa-style dessert featuring spiced apples and brown butter ice cream. Reflecting on the experience, Gary said, "This is the end, and I'm feeling very, very sad. I've been here three hours and don't want to leave. It's just clever cooking."
A Resounding Endorsement and Perfect Score
Outside the restaurant, Gary summarized his review by awarding Opheem a perfect 10/10 score. He emphasized, "The carrot and potato courses were two of the best dishes I've ever had in my life. This was the best experience I've ever had, and I loved every aspect of it." This glowing endorsement from a respected food vlogger not only celebrates Opheem's culinary excellence but also shines a spotlight on Birmingham's vibrant dining scene, reinforcing its status as a destination for world-class gastronomy.
