In October 2024, the much-loved Honest Restaurant, a fast-food chain with humble roots in Ahmedabad, India, will make its New Zealand debut in the heart of New Lynn. For many in Auckland’s Indian community, this opening is more than just another restaurant—it’s a taste of home. Offering familiar, comforting street food like Bhaji Pau and Pulav, Honest is ready to bring the vibrant flavours of India to a city with a growing appetite for authentic, vegetarian-friendly dining.
Honest’s journey from a small family venture to a global favourite is a story of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making high-quality, affordable food accessible to all.
From Ahmedabad to Auckland: Honest's Global Journey
Honest Restaurant, founded in Ahmedabad, India, over 49 years ago by Vijay Gupta, has grown from a humble food venture into a global brand. With over 60 outlets worldwide, including locations in India, the USA, Canada, and Australia, Honest is renowned for its fast-casual dining concept and signature dishes like Bhaji Pau and Pulav.
Founder Vijay Gupta/Photo: Supplied
Gupta’s journey with Honest began as a family-driven venture, rooted in a four-generation legacy of food and hospitality. "Honest has always been about more than just food—it's about responsibility, growth, and family," he says. With a focus on affordability and high-quality service, the brand’s success has been driven by its commitment to empowering employees, many of whom have risen to leadership roles from entry-level positions.
Photo: Supplied
Why New Zealand? Why New Lynn?
New Lynn, with its large Indian community, was a natural choice for Honest's New Zealand debut. The restaurant’s menu will cater to vegetarians and those with strict dietary restrictions, such as the Swaminarayan and Jain communities. By offering dishes that align with these specific needs, Honest aims to create a unique dining experience for locals seeking authentic, vegetarian-friendly fast food.
“There’s a gap in the market for high-quality, vegetarian fast food here, especially for people with religious dietary restrictions,” says Vijay Gupta. “We wanted to create a space where they can enjoy the food they love, made just for them.”
The Visionaries Behind Honest's New Zealand Launch
The arrival of Honest Restaurant in New Zealand is the brainchild of two entrepreneurial leaders, Nirav Savaliya and Anand Patel. Both hail from Gujarat, India, and are passionate about bringing a piece of home to Auckland. For Savaliya, Honest is more than just a restaurant—it’s about giving the Indian community a place to connect with their roots and traditions.
Nirav Savaliya (extreme right) with guests at the opening of Honest Restaurant in Auckland/Photo: Supplied
"It's not just about the food," says Savaliya. "It's about creating a sense of belonging and community, especially for those who miss the flavors and memories of home."
A Culinary Maestro Joins the Team
Ensuring that Honest's food maintains its authenticity, the team has enlisted renowned chef Mayank Parekh, who will lead the kitchen in New Lynn. Parekh, an expert in Indian street food, promises to bring the vibrant, bold flavours of India to every dish, ensuring that Aucklanders can experience the true essence of Honest's famous fast food.
Pao Bhaji is the signature dish at Honest Restaurant
Shreeji Builders: Shaping Honest Restaurant’s New Lynn Experience
At the heart of Restaurant’s New Lynn success is Shreeji Builders, led by Darshan Shah. Known for precision and quality, Shreeji Builders tailored the restaurant’s design to meet the demands of a fast-casual dining space. Their craftsmanship delivered a modern, functional setting that reflects Honest's brand, offering customers a welcoming place to enjoy authentic Indian fast food. Darshan Shah's leadership ensured that the project met Honest’s global standards, creating an inviting space that blends style with practicality.
Honest Restaurant isn’t just about satisfying cravings; it’s about building connections. Savaliya and Patel are committed to creating local job opportunities and supporting the New Lynn community. Their goal is to not only serve great food but also contribute to the local economy by hiring and training Aucklanders and sourcing ingredients from local suppliers.
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