Pawwa and Sorrel in Madhapur offer flexible, shareable dining for groups

Hyderabad: Anyone who’s ever tried ordering food with a group knows the drill—half the table wants comfort food, and the other half wants to experiment. One’s avoiding carbs, someone else is vegetarian, and there’s always that one friend who refuses to share anything on their plate. Reaching a consensus is often harder than expected.

That’s where two Hyderabad spots—Pawwa Everyday Bar + Bites in Jubilee Hills and Sorrel in Madhapur—quietly stand out. These restaurants seem to get the reality of group meals: food should be flexible, shareable, and still feel satisfying no matter who you’re dining with.

At Pawwa, order by the quarter, share without the stress

Pawwa’s menu takes a smart approach to group dynamics. Most starters are available in quarter, half, or full portions, letting you test the waters without overcommitting. This setup is ideal if you’re dealing with clashing tastes or varying appetites.

If you’re dropping in with a few friends, start with the Jubilee Peanut Masala—a classic bar-side snack with just enough heat. Pair it with the Maddur Vada Dipsticks, a South Indian twist served with a mellow dip that works well with cocktails or beer.

The Highway Mutton Seekh is worth trying even if you’re not a red meat regular—soft, spiced, and buttery, it’s the kind of appetiser that’s likely to disappear in seconds. For something more playful, the Chicken Keema Kulchette is served in a pizza box and makes for an easy, no-mess pick.

If the table is leaning toward comfort food, the Butter Chicken from the mains hits all the right notes—rich, well-balanced, and good enough to go in for seconds.

Budget: Rs 1,400 for two

Where: Jubilee Hills

At Sorrel, a fresh take on vegetarian dining

Sorrel flips the assumption that vegetarian food has to be predictable. The menu leans into fusion, with dishes that are both thoughtful and approachable—even for non-vegetarians in the group.

Start with the Veggie Cream Cheese Sushi. It’s not trying to imitate fish; instead, it celebrates crunch and creaminess in each bite. The filling—peppers, rice, and smooth cheese—offers a clean balance of textures without being too heavy.

The Cottage Cheese Fingers are a must-order if you’re craving something fried but flavourful. Crisp on the outside with a hint of spice, they’re light enough to keep the conversation going and filling enough to anchor a meal.

Skip the standard sodas and try the Watermelon Mojito, a refreshing drink with just enough citrus to wake up your palate.

When it comes to dessert, it’s hard to go wrong with either version of the Tres Leches. The Pistachio has a bold, nutty hit, while the Biscoff is subtler, with a mellow sweetness that lingers. Split them between the table if you can’t decide.

Budget: Rs 1,000 for two

Where: Madhapur

No overthinking, just good choices

Pawwa and Sorrel aren’t trying to reinvent the dining experience, but they are quietly making it easier. By offering portion control, creative options, and something for every kind of eater, they’ve figured out what a lot of places haven’t: group dining works best when no one has to compromise too much.

If your next dinner plan includes differing diets, strong opinions, or simply indecision, these are two places where everyone leaves full—and happy.