Gauri Khan’s Restaurant Torii Responds to ‘Fake Paneer’ Claims After Viral Iodine Test Video:
Gauri Khan’s upscale Mumbai restaurant Torii, known for its Asian-inspired menu and frequented by Bollywood celebrities, has found itself in the spotlight after a viral video accused the restaurant of using adulterated paneer (cottage cheese) in its dishes.
The controversy began when YouTuber Sarthak Sachdeva visited a number of celebrity-owned restaurants across Mumbai to check the quality of their paneer using a common iodine tincture test. The iodine test is often used by consumers to detect the presence of starch—if iodine causes paneer to turn dark or black, it may suggest adulteration with starch-based fillers.
Among the eateries tested were Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune, Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian, and Bobby Deol’s Someplace Else. In all these restaurants, the paneer remained unaffected by the iodine, indicating no adulteration according to the test. However, at Torii, the paneer turned dark after the iodine was applied, prompting Sarthak to dramatically announce, “Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha. Ye dekh ke mere toh hosh udd gaye the!”
As the video gained traction online, raising eyebrows and triggering debate, Torii quickly issued a response. In the comments section of the viral post, the restaurant clarified:
“The iodine test reflects the presence of starch, not the authenticity of the paneer. As the dish contains soy-based ingredients, this reaction is expected. We stand by the purity of our paneer and the integrity of our ingredients at Torii.”
Torii’s explanation suggests that the paneer in question may have been part of a dish featuring soy-based sauces or marinades, which could easily trigger a reaction in the iodine test despite the cheese itself being unadulterated.
Sarthak, to his credit, took the response in good humor. He jokingly asked, “So am I banned now? Btw your food is amazing.”
The incident has since sparked discussions on social media about food testing, ingredient quality, and the accuracy of DIY purity tests. Experts also chimed in to point out that while the iodine test can detect the presence of starch, it isn’t a foolproof method to verify the authenticity of paneer, especially in cooked or marinated dishes.
Meanwhile, fans of Torii and celebrity diners appear largely unfazed, continuing to support the restaurant for its quality cuisine and elegant ambiance. With Torii addressing the issue promptly and transparently, the situation may serve more as a reminder of the importance of food literacy rather than a real blemish on the restaurant’s reputation.
