1 July 2026
East has made history as the only vegetarian restaurant recognised in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026.
Named Michelin Selected as one of 110 restaurants in the country’s first-ever guide, East stands alone as the sole vegetarian table on the list - a milestone for East, for family-owned Hind Management and for New Zealand’s plant-based dining scene.
A family's vision, recognised
East began as a passion project for the Jhunjhnuwala family, the vegetarian owners of Hind Management, inspired by the richness and diversity of vegetarian traditions across Asia. For a business that has spent more than 25 years developing, owning and operating hotels and hospitality venues across New Zealand, the recognition is a proud moment rooted in values the family has championed from the start: inclusive, sustainable, values-led hospitality.
Today, East 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% of the menu is vegan, 60 to 70% of produce is sourced locally and the wine list features biodynamic options by the glass. It's proof that world-class dining and responsible business can go hand in hand.
Part of a wider platform
East sits alongside Sunset Bar, Moss Spa and Hind Management's growing portfolio of hotels as part of a diversified approach to hospitality - one where food, wellness and guest experience are built with the same rigour as the rooms above them. For the owners, developers and investors Hind Management partners with, East is a working example of what that discipline delivers: a concept built from genuine expertise, executed to a standard that now carries international recognition.
Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala ONZM, Founder and CEO of Hind Management, says the recognition marks 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. 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 plant-forward dining can sit proudly alongside the best restaurants in the country, and is testament to the creativity, care and commitment of our team."
– Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala ONZM, Founder and CEO, Hind Management
A moment for New Zealand hospitality
Sudesh sees the recognition extending beyond East, to the wider industry it belongs to.
"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."
– Sudesh
East and Hind Management congratulate every restaurant recognised in the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand and the wider hospitality industry that continues to showcase the quality, creativity and manaakitanga that make dining in Aotearoa distinctive.