Fake Paneer Allegation In Gauri Khan's Restaurant

A viral video recently claimed that fake paneer was served at Gauri Khan’s restaurant, Torii, in Mumbai. YouTuber Sarthak Sachdeva used an iodine test, which showed a blue-black reaction, suggesting starch was present — often seen as a sign of synthetic paneer. The video quickly spread but was later removed after backlash and clarification from the restaurant.

Torii responded by saying the starch was naturally present in soy-based ingredients used in the dish and didn’t mean the paneer was fake. Chef Vikas Khanna joined the conversation, criticizing the “terrible misinformation” and explaining that iodine reacts with starch, which is common in many foods. He stressed that such tests, when done without context, can mislead people.

Experts advise using multiple methods to test paneer, like the hot water, rub, or smell tests, rather than relying solely on iodine. This incident highlights how quickly misinformation can spread in the age of viral content.