When was the last time you sat down to have dinner with strangers and left feeling connected? Hyderabad’s supper clubs are creating that space, turning curated meals into the city’s antidote to urban anonymity. We look at how ‘stranger dinners’ are transforming living rooms and hidden studios into spaces where connection is always the main course.
Credits: @secretsupperclubin
‘It’s about bringing together like-minded people’
As people from diverse cities pour in, building meaningful friendships in a new city often becomes difficult. The idea behind the supper club is simple: Smaller, thoughtfully curated gatherings where genuine connections can form. Each gathering is intentionally limited to 15–20 guests, with participants shortlisted and invited upon selection. This filtering isn’t about exclusivity — it’s about comfort, and bringing together like-minded people. As a Hyderabadi, I understand how deeply the city bonds over food. That’s why I collaborate closely with chefs and venues to curate master-level tasting menus that allow chefs to fully express their creativity and passion.— Rishita Agarwal, Curator at Mingle Supper Club‘The experience is the same whether alone or with a friend’What stood out to me was how different it felt from meeting people in offices or cafés. The setting was more intimate and intentional, unlike public places, where conversations with strangers rarely unfold naturally. And the experience doesn’t change whether you attend alone or with a friend. What stayed with me most was how open everyone was, and how quickly conversations deepened. I made new friends, heard diverse career journeys, and connected with people who shared similar experiences, as well as perspectives I hadn’t expected.– Shamoheeta, software developer‘Food acts as the great equaliser, allowing authentic connections’
Living abroad taught me how friendships often replace family, and hosting meals became a natural way to connect people. Food acts as a great equaliser, allowing authentic connections without forced conversation. When I host, I design menus around the people attending. While it’s largely a one-person effort, the process is deeply rewarding. It’s less about scale and more about creating meaningful, soulful experiences.— Mahi, Founder, The Curated Table‘Supper clubs bridge the gap between eating out and genuine connection’
Our supper club began from a simple conversation while vacationing in the hills, reflecting on how life in Hyderabad had become monotonous, limited to familiar places. A joke about a secret menu and hidden location soon became a real idea. Hyderabad has a vibrant food culture, but many dining experiences feel rushed. Supper clubs bridge the gap between eating out and genuine connection, creating intimate, curated spaces where strangers can engage, share stories, and let food spark meaningful conversation and shared experiences.— Trishala Kamath & Tanusha Bajaj, Founders, The Secret Supper Club
As someone new to Hyderabad, the informal, pressure-free setting made it easier to connect without expectations. What stood out to me was the absence of professional agendas. Unlike most social events centred on work, this was about food, conversation and shared experiences. Since attending them, I’ve formed friendships that extended beyond the event itself
Pruthvi, 28-year-old attendee from Vizag
‘Suppers offer a platform for meaningful exchange and personal expression’
When we launched the club, around 15 people attended. As participants enjoyed the events and asked for more, the group gradually grew to over 25. A certified baker, I usually prepare a selection of baked treats such as babka, pistachio ganache cookies, cakes, and more. Before finalising the menu, I share a Google form to check for allergies or dietary restrictions, ensuring ingredients like gluten, lactose, or other allergens are avoided. Since some attendees may feel shy at first, we encourage meaningful conversations and include light, fun activities like “Draw Yourself” to help break the ice and make the experience more engaging.— Darini Janarthanan, Founder, The Social Brew‘The host plays a key role in bringing people together’The atmosphere is relaxed and unfiltered. There’s no pressure or judgment, and no agenda, you might never even meet some of these people again. That freedom allows you to be yourself. The host plays a key role in bringing people together, and once the initial hesitation fades, conversations flow naturally. You learn new things and gain perspectives you wouldn’t encounter if you simply stuck to your routine. It’s about adding new experiences to your life rather than staying within the familiar.– Nikita Agarwal, paediatrician
