Torii, the elegant Mumbai restaurant co-owned by Gauri Khan, has cemented its place as a celebrity hotspot, often visited by some of Bollywood’s biggest names. The restaurant even made an appearance in the previous season of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives on Netflix India. But did you know that the restaurant has built a secret entrance for some select celebrities, and of course, the Khans.
In a recent interview with SCREEN, Indian Express, Torii’s Head Chef Stefan Gadit shed light on the relationship between the Khan family and the restaurant. Chef Gadit revealed that Shah Rukh Khan and his family are regulars — both in person and through home orders. And yes, there’s even a “secret door” just for them.
“They keep coming here quite often, and whenever they don’t have the time, they place an order and we have it sent over to their home. AbRam likes the sushi here, and Suhana has come on a few occasions with her friends. SRK has also been here a few times, mostly with Gauri and family. They celebrated Pooja Dadlani’s anniversary here. Shah Rukh Khan has enjoyed the lamb chops we serve here; that’s his usual order,” said Chef Stefan.
The youngest Khan, AbRam, is reportedly a big fan of the sushi at Torii, while Suhana Khan often visits with friends. Aryan Khan has made appearances as well, usually later in the evening. “Aryan has been here on a few occasions, but I don’t know anything particularly about the food bit with Aryan. It’s usually later in the evening,” added Stefan.
A unique feature of the restaurant — and one of its most closely guarded secrets — is a hidden entrance, designed for privacy. “Not everybody has access to the secret doorway; it’s for the Khans,” he confirmed.
As for Gauri Khan, she isn’t just a name on the ownership papers. According to Chef Stefan, she plays an active role in the restaurant’s operations. “She gives us her two cents when she feels something is not right, so far things have been going well. There is a good understanding between the management and Gauri Khan,” he said.
And when it comes to the menu, even the head chef isn’t immune to Gauri’s influence. He recalled how he initially hesitated to add her favorite dish — Thai curry, because of its ubiquity. “She loves Thai curry, and I feel it’s done everywhere, and we shouldn’t do it, but that’s her favorite, so we have it. The dish is dedicated to her,” he shared.
With a star-studded clientele, intimate design details, and the personal involvement of Gauri Khan, Torii is more than just a celebrity hangout.
