Aktar Islam
Self-taught Aktar opened his own restaurant, Lasan, when he was just 22.
Birmingham born and bred, Aktar started working at his father’s restaurant at the age of 13. With no formal qualifications Aktar opened his own restaurant, Lasan, when he was 22 years old.
Since its launch in 2002, Lasan has won a number of awards including British Curry Awards, the title of ‘Best local restaurant’ on Gordon Ramsay’s F Word and inclusion in The Sunday Times Top 100 UK Restaurants.
This is Aktar’s third time in the competition having previously cooked the fish course at The People’s Banquet but failed to make it to the judges’ chamber on his second attempt.
Aktar’s menu pays respect to the sacrifices people made which lead to the freedoms we enjoy today. His dishes celebrate the legacy and what the troops fought for.
