Two of Birmingham's finest dining establishments have received prestigious national recognition, being named Regional Champions 2025 in the British Indian Good Food Guide's annual Top 100 Recommended Restaurants.
Midlands Champions Celebrated
Asha's Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar on Edward Street and the two Michelin-starred Opheem were both singled out for high praise, reinforcing the city's formidable reputation for outstanding Asian cuisine. The Midlands section of the guide lauded Asha's as a stalwart leader in the local dining scene, highlighting its dishes that are rooted in classic North Indian traditions yet refined with modern techniques.
The guide's reviewers noted the restaurant's assured seasoning and a service team that operates with a calm confidence. Opheem, meanwhile, was commended for its unique interpretation of Indian food, driven by precision, innovation, and considerable technical flair.
Praise from the Pinnacle of Indian Dining
The guide elaborated on Opheem's offering, stating that flavours unfold in clear, articulate layers, with the kitchen demonstrating exceptionally high standards across every single course. This recognition places the restaurant firmly at the forefront of contemporary Indian cooking in the country.
Nouman Farooqui, director of Asha's in Birmingham, expressed his delight at the accolade. "We are delighted to be named by such a prestigious national guide as one of the two most highly recommended Indian restaurants in the city," he said.
"To be named alongside a two Michelin-starred restaurant is high praise indeed for our excellent chef Sunil Kamar and his team. The comments on our table service are also most welcome and will be recognised by our regular clientele."
A Reputation for Star-Studded Clientele
Asha's is no stranger to the spotlight, having built a reputation for attracting a celebrity following. A-list stars including Tom Cruise, Pink, Jack Black, Ed Sheeran, and The Rolling Stones have all been known to book tables at the restaurant when they are visiting the city. This latest honour from the British Indian Good Food Guide, published on the 10th of November 2025, cements the status of both Asha's and Opheem as must-visit destinations for food lovers across the UK.
