UpdatedVaimoana MasePasifika Editor·NZ Herald·1 Jul, 2026 09:30 PM4 mins to read‌World first: Tala executive chef and owner Henry Onesemo has received a Michelin star for contemporary Samoan cuisine.Samoans everywhere are celebrating the success of one of their own, top chef Henry Onesemo, after his Samoan-inspired restaurant achieved a world first.

The 44-year-old’s Tala restaurant, in Parnell, Auckland, made history after receiving a Michelin Star at the inaugural Michelin Guide

ceremony on Tuesday night.