Virat Kohli is not just known for his aggressive batting and leadership on the field, but also for his disciplined lifestyle off the field. So when a recent Instagram story showed him enjoying what looked like Chicken Tikka, fans were left completely stunned.
Social media quickly exploded with questions. Did Virat Kohli break his vegetarian diet? Did he return to eating meat? The truth, however, turned out to be very different and surprising.
Why Virat Kohli Turned Vegetarian
Virat Kohli adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in 2018 during India’s England tour. At that time, he was dealing with serious health issues, including acidity problems and high uric acid levels. These issues even caused pain and discomfort during matches.
After consulting doctors and nutrition experts, Kohli decided to completely remove meat from his diet. The decision helped him recover faster, improve his fitness, and maintain peak performance.
Kohli has earlier said that turning vegetarian was one of the best decisions of his life, as it made him feel lighter, healthier, and more energetic.
The Instagram Story That Confused Everyone
The confusion started when Kohli shared an Instagram story showing a plate of Chicken Tikka. Fans instantly jumped to conclusions, assuming that India’s most famous vegetarian had broken his long-followed food habit.
Many social media users expressed shock, while some even criticised him for allegedly changing his diet quietly.
But there was a hidden detail most people missed.
Here’s the Real Plot Twist
The Instagram story itself revealed the truth.
Virat Kohli clearly mentioned that the dish was “mock chicken tikka.” This means it was not real chicken at all. It was a plant-based vegetarian version made to look and taste like chicken.
So yes, Kohli was enjoying tikka — but without eating meat.
What Is Mock Chicken Tikka?
Mock chicken tikka is a vegetarian dish prepared using plant-based ingredients such as soy protein, tofu, jackfruit, or wheat-based seitan. These ingredients are marinated with spices and grilled, giving them a texture and taste similar to chicken.
This type of food is becoming very popular among vegetarians and athletes worldwide, as it offers high protein without meat.
Virat Kohli’s choice shows how modern vegetarian food has evolved and how athletes can enjoy variety without compromising their beliefs.
Fans React After Knowing the Truth
Once fans realised the truth, the reaction completely changed. Many praised Kohli for staying true to his vegetarian lifestyle while still enjoying innovative food options.
Others appreciated how plant-based diets are becoming more mainstream, even among elite athletes like Kohli.
This incident also proves how closely fans follow every small detail of his life.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli did not break his vegetarian vow. The viral “chicken tikka” moment was simply a case of misunderstanding. He was enjoying a mock, plant-based dish, not real meat.
The incident highlights how appearances can be misleading and how plant-based alternatives are now good enough to confuse millions. Kohli continues to inspire fans — not just with his cricket, but also with his disciplined lifestyle choices.
FAQs
Did Virat Kohli eat real chicken?
No. He ate mock chicken tikka, which is completely vegetarian.
Why did fans think he broke his vegetarian diet?
Because the dish looked like real chicken tikka, and many people ignored the caption mentioning “mock chicken.”
What is mock chicken made of?
It is usually made from soy, tofu, jackfruit, or wheat protein.
Is Virat Kohli still vegetarian?
Yes. Virat Kohli continues to follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Why is this incident important?
It shows how plant-based food has advanced and how quickly misinformation can spread online.