In a surprising turn of events, Gauri Khan's Mumbai restaurant, Torii, has found itself at the center of a controversy after a viral video claimed that the paneer served there was fake. The incident began when 19-year-old influencer Sarthak Sachdeva conducted an iodine test on paneer dishes at various celebrity-owned restaurants, including those owned by Virat Kohli and Shilpa Shetty, to check for starch adulteration.
The iodine test is a simple method used to determine the purity of paneer. If the paneer turns blue or black upon the addition of iodine, it indicates the presence of starch, suggesting that the paneer may be adulterated. Sachdeva's test revealed that while the paneer at Kohli's One8 Commune and Shetty's Bastian passed the test, the paneer at Torii turned dark, leading him to declare, "Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha. Ye dekh ke mere toh hosh udd gaye the," which translates to, "The paneer at Shah Rukh Khan's restaurant was fake. Seeing this, my mind was blown!"
This video, posted on April 17, 2025, quickly garnered over 5.5 million views, sparking a heated debate among social media users. Some praised Sachdeva for his honesty, while others defended Gauri Khan, arguing that she does not personally oversee the restaurant’s operations. Comments ranged from supportive to sarcastic, with one user warning Sachdeva about potential repercussions for his claims.
In response to the allegations, Torii's official Instagram account stated, "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." The restaurant's formal statement expressed surprise at the accusations, emphasizing their commitment to quality and rigorous ingredient sourcing.
Experts have weighed in on the controversy, noting that the iodine test, while useful, may not be definitive. Nutrition expert Dr. Kiran Soni from Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida pointed out that some commercial paneer may contain starch to enhance texture or weight. She explained, "Some commercial paneer may include starch to improve texture or weight. Also, if paneer is coated in batter before frying, residual starch can influence test results." This suggests that the mere presence of starch does not necessarily mean the paneer is fake.
The incident has also reignited discussions around food safety and authenticity in India, particularly concerning paneer, a staple in many Indian diets. In recent months, there have been multiple claims on social media alleging that major fast food chains, including KFC, Burger King, and McDonald's, are using fake paneer in their products. McDonald's India responded to these claims by affirming that their paneer is 100% dairy-based and sourced from FSSAI-licensed suppliers, stating, "There have been misleading videos circulating, falsely claiming that our paneer is not real. We would like to reiterate that the paneer used in our products is 100% dairy-based and made of real milk."
The fast-food giant clarified that any starch present in their Paneer Patty is a result of the coating process and does not indicate the quality of the paneer itself. This highlights a broader issue in the food industry, where the presence of additives or processing methods can complicate perceptions of food authenticity.
As the debate continues, it raises important questions about consumer awareness and the methods used to verify food quality. Many consumers rely on quick tests like the iodine method to gauge the authenticity of their food, but experts caution that these tests should be interpreted within a broader context of food safety and ingredient integrity.
In light of the controversy surrounding Torii, Gauri Khan's restaurant may need to bolster its transparency regarding ingredient sourcing and preparation methods to reassure customers of its commitment to quality. The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing scrutiny faced by food establishments, particularly those associated with high-profile figures.
As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public perception, restaurants must navigate the challenges of maintaining their reputations while ensuring the quality of their offerings. For now, Gauri Khan's Torii stands firm in its defense against the accusations, asserting that it adheres to strict quality checks at every stage of food preparation.
Ultimately, this incident may prompt a larger conversation about food authenticity in India and the measures consumers can take to ensure they are getting what they pay for. With the rise of influencers and their ability to sway public opinion, restaurants may find themselves under increasing pressure to prove their claims about ingredient quality.
As for Sarthak Sachdeva, he has sparked a significant dialogue about food quality and authenticity, reminding both consumers and restaurant owners of the importance of vigilance in the food industry.
