Shabir Hussain, the renowned founder of Akbar’s, a pioneering name in the UK’s curry industry, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the culinary landscape of South Asian cuisine in Britain. Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and later settling in Bradford, Mr. Hussain’s journey began with humble origins, driven by passion, determination, and a deep love for his craft.
In 1996, on Leeds Road in Bradford, Shabir Hussain opened the doors to the first Akbar’s restaurant, seating just 28 people. From that small but determined start, Akbar’s grew into an empire, with 10 Akbar’s restaurants across the UK, from Manchester to Newcastle, and even reaching Scotland. Shabir also had to his portfolio a number of property investments and the award winning dessert place Vanilla Rooms and Durrani’s jewellery store. His story is one of grit, innovation, and relentless pursuit of perfection in modern South Asian cuisine. Few individuals have embodied the entrepreneurial spirit and achieved such heights as Shabir Hussain did.
“My journey was fuelled with passion and enthusiasm,” Shabir once said. “It was motivated by the constant reminder of my respected father.” His drive to create not only exceptional food but also an unmatched dining experience propelled Akbar’s to become a household name. It was more than just a restaurant—it was a reflection of Shabir’s vision to elevate Indian cuisine in the UK.
A graduate of Bradford College, Shabir honed his culinary skills, crafting his own recipes and innovating dishes that resonated with diners. Under his leadership, Akbar’s introduced new concepts to the UK’s curry scene, such as halal continental food alongside traditional desi Asian dishes, and the now-iconic charsi-style cuisine.
Shabir’s contributions extended far beyond his restaurants. He was winner of several prestigious Curry Awards, including and his ethos of “anything is possible—it’s just a case of how bad you want it” inspired a new generation of restaurateurs. He took great pride in seeing customers return, bringing their families, and passing down the tradition of enjoying authentic South Asian food at Akbar’s.
With Shabir at the helm, Akbar’s earned its reputation as the “Shahenshah” (emperor) of Bradford’s curry empire and beyond. His impact on the curry industry will be remembered for generations. His legacy lives on through the restaurants he created, the standards he set, and the countless people who were touched by his warmth, generosity, and passion for food.
Shabir Hussain will be deeply missed, but his influence remains a permanent fixture in the UK’s culinary world.
