Welcome to another round of food fun online! This time, it’s all about fake paneer. Yes, you heard it right. There’s a viral video that has everyone talking—and it all started at Gauri Khan’s stylish Mumbai restaurant, Torii.
What Happened? A Video About Fake Paneer
A YouTuber named Sarthak Sachdeva made a video about the paneer served at Torii. He used an iodine solution to test it. The paneer changed color, and he said this might be a sign of starch—something usually found in “fake paneer.”
The video went viral super fast. People on social media started discussing it like it was the next big mystery. Some were shocked, some were confused, and some were just hungry.
Torii Replies: Our Paneer Is the Real Deal
The team at Torii quickly replied to the video. They said the color change was nothing to worry about. According to them, the dish had soy-based ingredients, and those can react with iodine too. That’s why the color changed.
Their message was simple: “Our paneer is real, and we use clean, good ingredients.”
Chef Vikas Khanna Shares His Thoughts
Famous chef Vikas Khanna also joined the conversation. He posted a story on Instagram and shared some knowledge. He said that iodine turns blue-black when it meets starch. But starch is found in lots of everyday food like potatoes, bread, rice, and even bananas.
He added that sometimes, different ingredients can mix a little while cooking, which is normal. That’s called cross-contamination. And it can also cause this reaction.
His main point? Let’s not jump to big conclusions without knowing the full science behind it.
Is Iodine Testing Always Correct?
Using iodine to test for fake paneer might sound cool, but it’s not always 100% correct. It only shows if starch is present—but starch can be in many things, not just fake food.
So while such videos are fun to watch, they may not tell the whole story. It’s always good to check with food experts or proper labs for serious tests.
The Bigger Picture
This fake paneer moment shows how fast things spread online. One video can create a huge buzz. It also shows how restaurants and chefs need to respond quickly when something goes viral.
At the same time, content creators are trying to explore and share new things. And that’s okay too—as long as it’s done with care.
Final Word
Is Torii serving fake paneer? Nope. The paneer is fine, the soy is real, and the science is simple. A little bit of food chemistry can look strange, but it doesn’t mean something is wrong.
Next time you see a test like this online, enjoy the entertainment—but maybe wait before deciding if something is fake or not. And most importantly, enjoy your paneer—real or not, it’s still delicious!
Also, YouTuber Mohak Mangal has made a detailed video about this case, including some interesting investigation. You can check it out if you want to learn more!
