Gauri Khan’s Torii Restaurant Clears Air on “Fake Paneer” Allegations

April 17, 2025: Gauri Khan’s upscale Mumbai restaurant, Torii, has addressed the allegations regarding the use of adulterated paneer, clarifying that the claims are based on a misunderstanding of food chemistry. The controversy erupted after a YouTuber posted a video where he tested the quality of paneer at various celebrity-owned restaurants in Mumbai, including Torii, One8 Commune (Virat Kohli’s restaurant), Bastian (owned by Shilpa Shetty), and Someplace Else (Bobby Deol’s restaurant).

In the video, the YouTuber conducted a test using iodine tincture on samples of paneer, a common method to detect starch content in food. When the iodine was applied to a paneer dish at Torii, it turned dark, which is typically interpreted as an indication of starch presence. The YouTuber claimed that this reaction meant the paneer at Torii was “fake,” and further stated, “Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha. Ye dekh ke mere toh hosh udd gaye the” (Shah Rukh Khan’s restaurant is selling fake paneer. This shocked me).

In response, Torii, co-owned by Gauri Khan, swiftly issued a statement addressing the matter. The restaurant explained that the iodine test detects the presence of starch, but the reaction observed in the dish was due to soy-based ingredients used in the recipe. The statement clarified that this was not an indication of adulteration or fake paneer, but rather a natural result of the dish’s composition. The restaurant reaffirmed its commitment to serving pure and high-quality ingredients.

Torii’s response was posted in the comments section of the viral video, where they wrote: “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 YouTuber, Sarthak, humorously acknowledged the clarification with a lighthearted comment: “So am I banned now? Btw your food is amazing.”

Torii, known for its chic ambiance and luxury dining experience, has become a popular spot among Bollywood celebrities. The restaurant is also part of Gauri Khan’s growing portfolio, known for her interior design ventures, including her design work for other high-profile restaurants. With this clarification, the incident has been put to rest, but it continues to spark discussions about food quality and the use of scientific tests to assess restaurant ingredients.