Two minutes with Aktar Islam, chef founder of Oudh 1722
The name Oudh 1722 points to a specific place and moment in time - what does it mean to you?
Oudh 1722 is my way of honouring a civilisation that shaped so much of what we understand as refinement, generosity and culinary artistry. The year marks the beginning of the Awadhi state; a moment when culture, craft, poetry, architecture and cuisine intertwined to create something timeless.
For me, it isn’t nostalgia. It’s a reminder that innovation has always been part of our heritage. The Nawabi courts were contemporary in their own era; bold, curious, open to influence and unafraid of luxury. Oudh 1722 takes that spirit and reimagines it for today; rooted in history but expressed through a modern lens that reflects who I am and how I cook.
Awadhi cuisine is rooted in patience and technique - what first drew you to it?
Awadhi cuisine rewards devotion. It’s a craft that asks you to slow down, to listen, to respect the ingredient and the process. That discipline resonated with me from the very beginning.
In Awadhi cooking, nothing is rushed, nothing is loud for the sake of being loud. The depth comes from restraint, from understanding heat, from layering flavour with intention.
What drew me in was the elegance of it. The way a simple qorma can carry centuries of technique. The way a biryani can be both humble and regal. It’s cuisine that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression and that philosophy aligns with how I approach food today.
When someone steps into Oudh 1722, what do you hope will define their experience?
I want them to feel a sense of arrival, not just into a restaurant but into a story. A space where contemporary design meets centuries old culinary heritage, where the energy is warm, confident and unmistakably personal.
The experience should feel curated but never stiff; luxurious but never intimidating. I want guests to sense the care in every detail, the craft of the dishes, the rhythm of the service, the atmosphere that invites them to relax and trust the journey.
If they leave feeling nourished, surprised and connected to the food, to the space, to the people they shared it with; then Oudh 1722 has done what it was meant to do.