Gauri Khan’s Restaurant Torii Faces Paneer Controversy after YouTuber’s Allegations
YouTuber Sarthak Sachdeva accused Gauri Khan’s restaurant Torii of serving fake paneer. A viral iodine test video sparked controversy, prompting the restaurant to defend its ingredients and food quality.
New Delhi: Gauri Khan’s upscale Mumbai restaurant, Torii, has recently attracted attention after a YouTuber accused it of serving “fake” paneer. The viral claim was made by influencer Srathak Sachdeva, who shared a video of his visit and alleged that the paneer contained scratches, which can indicate adulteration.
In the video, Sarthak conducted an iodine tincture test on the paneer served to him. This test is often used to detect starch content in food. When iodine was applied to the paneer, it turned blackish-blue, which is typically seen as a sign of starch presence.
Reacting to the outcome, Sarthak exclaimed, "Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha. Ye dekh ke mere toh hosh udd gaye the (I was stunned to find that fake paneer was being served at Shah Rukh Khan's restaurant)."
This clip is part of his content series where he checks food quality at celebrity-owned eateries. His visits included One8 Commune by Virat Kohli, Bastian by Shilpa Shetty, and Someplace Else by Bobby Deol.
Following the video’s circulation, Torii’s management responded, saying, “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.”
Sarthak replied humorously, "So am I banned now? btw ur food is amazing." This light-hearted comment added a playful tone to the serious buzz online.
Gauri Khan, a well-known interior designer, has designed several chic venues in the past, including Arth and Sanchos. She runs her own design company, Gauri Khan Designs, and has worked on numerous celebrity homes and premium restaurants across Mumbai. Her ventures reflect a blend of sophistication, modernism, and unique creativity.
This incident has sparked a wider discussion on food quality, hygiene, and transparency in upscale restaurants. It also highlights how influencers and content creators now play a growing role in influencing public opinion and brand reputation.