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Gauri Khan’s Torii Addresses Viral ‘Fake Paneer’ Claim: “Iodine Test Shows Starch, Not Authenticity”
Mumbai’s fine-dining landscape has come under scrutiny this week following YouTuber Sarthak Sachdeva’s “paneer authenticity” tests conducted at various high-profile celebrity-owned restaurants. The final destination in his video series was Torii, an Asian fusion restaurant owned by entrepreneur and interior designer Gauri Khan, who is also the wife of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, located in Bandra.
In a viral video shared across Sarthak’s social media platforms, he conducted a test by adding iodine tincture to a paneer sample from Torii. The paneer reportedly turned black, leading to claims of starch presence, which is often used as a filler in substandard or counterfeit paneer. This revelation raised immediate concerns online, prompting many to question the quality of food served at elite dining establishments.In response, Torii swiftly addressed the issue through its official Instagram account and a formal statement, clarifying the science behind the observed reaction. “We are utterly surprised by the news of ‘fake paneer’ being served at Torii. The iodine test indicates the presence of starch, not the authenticity of the paneer.
For dishes containing soy-based ingredients, which are staples in Asian cuisine, this reaction is expected. We ensure quality checks at every step, from sourcing our produce to serving our patrons. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering,” the statement from Gauri Khan’s restaurant emphasized. The restaurant also commented on the original video, reiterating that the iodine test reflects starch presence, not paneer authenticity, and reaffirmed their commitment to ingredient integrity. The viral video has sparked broader discussions about the reliability of such food tests and their accuracy in assessing ingredient quality in professional kitchens.
The viral video has been deleted at the moment:
Experts have noted that iodine can react with starch found in soy-based sauces and thickeners commonly used in Asian cuisine, potentially leading to misinterpretations. Other celebrity restaurants, including Virat Kohli’s One Commune, Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian, and Bobby Deol’s Someplace Else, were also featured in the test series, but Torii’s response has been the most comprehensive thus far.
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