Shah Rukh Khan is selling fake paneer
here's what's up
Hey you,
It’s Friday, which means it's time to wind down, sip something nice, and read something that makes you go, wait, what?!
Today’s story is one of those.
Because, apparently, Shah Rukh Khan is selling fake paneer.
Let’s slice through the fluff (and the fake paneer)…
📌 Gauri Khan’s ‘Torii’ caught in a food quality controversy
When the new season of ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’ dropped last year, it wasn’t the gossip or the glam that made headlines, but a restaurant.
Torii, Gauri Khan’s luxurious Asian-inspired eatery in Mumbai, became the talk of the town after its glitzy launch, with Shah Rukh Khan in tow and cameras capturing every angle of the swanky space.
But fast forward to this week, and Torii is in the spotlight again, for all the wrong reasons.
Sarthak Sachdeva, a 19-year-old influencer with over 500k followers, went viral after running iodine tests on paneer dishes across celebrity restaurants.
While Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune, Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian, and Bobby Deol’s Someplace Else passed the test with flying colors, Gauri Khan’s Torii allegedly didn’t.
In a now-viral video, Sarthak showed the paneer turning blue—suggesting it contained starch. The internet, as expected, erupted. While some praised the influencer’s courage, others accused him of chasing clout or unfairly targeting SRK’s brand.
Torii, in response, clarified that the iodine test only indicates starch presence, not “fakeness.” Since the dish reportedly included soy-based ingredients, common in Asian cuisine, starch was expected.
Still, the accusation has opened up a larger conversation around quality standards in high-end dining.
📌 Why food quality shouldn’t be compromised?
This isn’t the first time restaurants have been accused of cutting corners. Whether it's stale food, undercooked meat, or adulterated dairy, what looks picture-perfect on a plate might be hiding real health risks.
Paneer, for example, when adulterated with starch or made from synthetic milk, can lead to a range of issues—from indigestion and food poisoning to long-term digestive disorders.
Worse still, restaurants using stale ingredients are often banking on the fact that “fancy plating” will distract the diner from the reality of what’s being served. But let’s be honest - no amount of truffle oil can hide the damage stale dairy can do.
In India, foodborne illnesses remain a serious concern.
Contaminated or low-quality ingredients can cause bacterial infections like Salmonella and E. coli, or even chronic issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) over time.
For people with weaker immunity, children, or anyone with gut sensitivity, a single bad meal can lead to hospitalization.
The truth is, some restaurants assume that the average diner won’t question what’s on the plate, especially if the decor is fancy and the bill has five digits. But whether it’s a street vendor or a celebrity-backed bistro, health shouldn’t be a gamble.
📌 How to protect yourself from adulterated food while dining out?
Here’s how you can avoid a disaster disguised as dinner:
Know your tests: Quick home tests like the iodine test (for paneer) or water separation (for milk) can be surprisingly effective. Carrying iodine to a restaurant might seem extreme, but being informed isn’t.
Trust your tongue: If something tastes off, metallic, rubbery, or too soft, pause. Don't be afraid to send it back or ask questions.
Look for certifications: Restaurants that genuinely care about quality often highlight their sourcing, use FSSAI-certified ingredients, and undergo regular audits.
Stay vocal: One honest review can save dozens of others from a bad experience. If you spot something suspicious, report it on platforms like Zomato, Google Reviews, or social media, respectfully but clearly.
Support whistleblowers: Influencers and citizens doing the hard job of questioning the system deserve more than just likes, they need support and legal protections from defamation threats.
At the end of the day, eating out should be a joy, not a health risk. And while we don’t expect celebrities to do their own grocery runs, the least we can demand is that their brands don’t sell us starch when we’re paying for paneer.
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋
