Mumbai: Viral Video Questions Paneer Authenticity at Gauri Khan’s Restaurant, Torii
Mumbai: Viral Video Questions Paneer Authenticity at Gauri Khan’s Restaurant, Torii
Mumbai — A viral video by content creator Sarthak Sachdeva has stirred a social media storm over the authenticity of paneer served at Torii, a high-end Asian restaurant in Bandra co-owned and designed by Gauri Khan. The video has prompted discussions about food quality standards in celebrity-owned dining establishments.
Iodine Test Raises Eyebrows
Sachdeva conducted an iodine tincture test on paneer dishes from several well-known restaurants, including those linked to Virat Kohli and Shilpa Shetty. The test is simple: if paneer turns blue or black upon contact with iodine, it may contain starch, raising concerns about adulteration.
While the paneer from Kohli’s and Shetty’s establishments reportedly passed the test, the sample from Torii turned black, causing speculation about whether synthetic or starch-enhanced paneer is being used.
Torii Breaks Silence
Responding directly under the viral post, Torii issued a clarification, saying the iodine test only indicates the presence of starch, not necessarily the paneer’s authenticity.
“The dish contains soy-based ingredients, which can naturally trigger this type of reaction. We stand by the purity of our paneer and the integrity of our ingredients,” the restaurant stated. However, Torii has not publicly disclosed the name of its paneer supplier.
Expert Opinions Add Nuance
Food safety experts cautioned against drawing quick conclusions from the iodine test. While pure paneer made from milk typically does not contain starch, additives like starch are sometimes used in commercial settings to improve texture and volume. In some cases, paneer that is fried, battered, or served with soy could show misleading results during such tests.
“This isn’t a definitive test,” one expert noted. “The color change may come from other ingredients in the dish, not just the paneer itself.”
Spotlight on Celebrity-Owned Restaurants
The incident has reignited public interest in ingredient transparency and quality control, especially in celebrity-backed establishments. With growing awareness, diners are becoming more conscious of what goes into their meals—even at premium venues.
About Torii
Situated in Mumbai’s upscale Bandra area, Torii is known for its progressive Asian fare, with a menu that includes sushi, sashimi, and eclectic small plates. The restaurant’s interior design is a signature project of Gauri Khan, adding to its exclusive appeal.
As the debate continues online, many food lovers are now urging for greater testing accuracy and contextual understanding before making judgments based on single indicators like iodine tests.
