Founder · Armaan Rafique
The journey
behind OUD
Kishanganj, northeastern India
The story begins in Kishanganj, in northeastern India.
Armaan grew up in a large, close-knit family where gatherings, festivals and celebrations centred around food, family and togetherness. At his grandparents’ home, he watched meals being prepared with patience and care. His connection with hospitality began there.
Travel became one of his greatest teachers. He explored different regions of India and experienced different cuisines, cultures and languages.
Although his family hoped he might choose another profession, his heart remained in hospitality. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and later a master’s degree. His journey then continued outside India.
The journey
From Kishanganj
to OUD
- 01Kishanganj
- 02India
- 03Malaysia
- 04The Arab World
- 05United Kingdom
- 06Birmingham
- 07OUD
Through these journeys came different cuisines, techniques, cultures and ways of understanding hospitality. When the journey reached Birmingham, those influences came together.
OUD was born.
OUD is not simply a restaurant. It represents years of travelling, learning and dreaming.
“A meeting place of Indian heritage and Arabic tradition, brought together with a contemporary spirit.”
“A space where every dish carries memory, and every table invites connection.”
Armaan still dreams of travelling through the countryside of different countries, learning from people, cultures and kitchens, and eventually sharing those stories through his own cookbook.
“OUD is where my journey lives. And I am honoured to share it with you.”
Armaan Rafique · Founder, OUD
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