Auckland restaurant East has been named as the only vegetarian restaurant selected in the inaugural Michelin Guide.
East, the vegetarian modern Asian restaurant, has been named Michelin Selected in the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand 2026, making history as the only vegetarian restaurant out of 110 restaurants recognised in the country’s first ever guide.
The recognition marks a major milestone for East, family-owned Hind Management and New Zealand’s plant-based dining sector, placing the restaurant among some of Aotearoa’s most celebrated dining destinations.
For Hind Management, which has spent more than 25 years developing, owning and operating hotels and hospitality venues across New Zealand, the recognition is a proud moment for a family business that has long championed inclusive, sustainable and values-led hospitality.
East was created as a passion project by the Jhunjhnuwala family, the vegetarian owners of Hind Management, inspired by the richness and diversity of vegetarian traditions across Asia.
Today, the restaurant is known for its innovative approach to modern Asian vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining, drawing on influences from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China and Thailand to create bold, plant-forward dishes designed to share and explore. More than 75 percent of the menu is vegan, with 60 to 70 percent of produce sourced locally and biodynamic wines by the glass. Grounded in thoughtful hospitality and a strong sustainability philosophy, East demonstrates that world-class dining and responsible business can go hand in hand.
Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala ONZM, Founder and CEO of Hind Management, said receiving this recognition is a historic moment for East.
“East began as our family’s way of sharing the food traditions I grew up with in Hong Kong, so seeing it recognised in New Zealand’s first Michelin Guide means a great deal,” Jhunjhnuwala.
“To be recognised as the only vegetarian restaurant in the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand is an incredible honour for East and Hind Management. It shows that plantforward dining can sit proudly alongside the best restaurants in the country and is a testament to the creativity, care and commitment of our team.”
He said this is also a win for New Zealand hospitality.
“The inaugural Michelin Guide puts a global spotlight on the quality, talent and diversity of dining in Aotearoa, from our chefs and front-of-house teams to the local growers and producers who help shape the country’s food story.”
East and Hind Management congratulate every restaurant recognised in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand and the wider hospitality industry, which continues to showcase the quality, creativity and manaakitanga that make dining in Aotearoa distinctive.
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