Chef hits out at ‘ignorance’ on review site after ‘Muslim’ pork remark
Restaurateur defends himself after TripAdvisor comments
BIRMINGHAM chef Aktar Islam has condemned TripAdvisor for allowing restaurant reviews by ‘ignorant people’ after he was attacked for serving pork “as a Muslim” even though he is not.
The TV chef was incensed when a diner at his Opheem venue in Summer Row listed criticisms including an alleged lack of options for vegetarians and told him: “You are just selling out, as a Muslim you should not be selling pork”.
Mr Islam hit back, saying he was not a Muslim and the correspondent appeared to have learned about Indian cuisine “cooked by your mum and at your local curry house”.
The chef, who has been feted by Gordon Ramsay, starred on Saturday Kitchen and won BBC Two’s Great British Menu, told the Post he would not let “uneducated” and “stupid” opinions on his restaurant pass.
He said: “I respect the right of everyone to have an opinion. And to express it on a review site. But it must be an informed opinion.
“I am not a Muslim so for him to criticise me on the basis that, as a Muslim I should not be serving pork, is obviously wrong.
“The problem I have with TripAdvisor, is that ignorant people can post what they like and proclaim it as fact.
“That is simply not on. If you have an opinion, make sure it is an educated opinion.
“This chap went online and had a massive rant that was not justified.
“Yes, criticism can be tough but restaurants are businesses and all chefs want to do better and take on board any improvements that need to be made.
“It also helps if they inform us at the time. Those who moan the most on the site are the ones who never bring it to our attention. Instead their online opinions can potentially negatively affect trade.
“Chefs are passionate people and we care about what we serve up. Livelihoods can be at stake.
“Apart from trying to undermine the credibility of my cooking, using the fact I serve pork to back up his assertions is ridiculous. Religion has nothing to do with me or with my restaurant.
“This person is clearly used to mainstream curry houses and Indian restaurants. That is not what I do here.”
The row began when TripAdvisor reviewer known as ‘WasimA360’ criticised Mr Islam for putting wild boar on his menu.
The reviewer posted: “You are just selling out, as a Muslim you should not be selling pork, it’s a no no. What people can do for money is ridiculous.”
He also said: “This is not Saturday Kitchen, you are charging people money and passing your food off as Indian when it’s not.
“For veggies there’s no options, unless you want a aubergine or a small plate of cauliflower.
“Go to Mumbai mate (where I’m from) and learn about authentic Indian food.
“A true Indian will slap this food on the floor and make you clean the c**p, fix up akhtar, (sic)”
In December, city centre-based Spanish restaurant Amantia cleared customers’ plates and ordered them out and challenged them to leave an online review.
Marta Retenaga saw red in a row with two diners who complained after their dishes arrived at different times.
She said she immediately felt better after kicking the pair out of her Bennetts Hill restaurant.
More recently a diner who complained after eating at Sutton Coldfield’s Funky Bear diner was told to “stay indoors and watch Jeremy Kyle” in a stinging response from owner George Kafetzis.