I have had the absolute pleasure of experiencing not only the rare occasion of dining in complete darkness but being served by blind waiters too.
This event took place at NOX – Dine In The Dark in Singapore. I loved it so much, I went twice!
The menu is seasonal so I had to wait a couple months before returning. They cater to all food preferences, so this ones for everyone to enjoy. I ate the pescatarian (seafood) menu.
My first experience was with a group of 5. I heard about it from a friend who was recommended it by another friend. So it was always on the must try list but when I had two friends from home come and visit, it was the perfect excuse to go.
Before our adventure began, we got there early to enjoy some drinks at their bar and might I say, these were probably the most delicious, brilliantly inspired and presented cocktails in all of Singapore. So if blind dining isn’t up your alley or cocktail tasting is more to your fancy, this one should definitely be on your list. And since I love my sweets before savoury, this was kind of a perfect set up for me. I think over the course of my two visits, I tried just about every cocktail they have to offer. My favourite drink was called ‘Dirty Movie’… I’ll leave that one to your imagination!
When our host acquainted us, they gave us a rundown of how the evening would go. Explained how we were to eat each serving on our diamond shaped plate, from South to West, to North and East. And that we were to take our time eating and guessing what we were being served because then the third sector of our evening was to be spent filling out a sheet with what we believe we ate. We put all our things in a locker (yes our phones too) and were introduced to our waiter. And yep, he was blind! He got to know (and touch) us, with our permission of course – this is just how they see us. Don’t worry, it was hands and face only. I think anything else would cost a bit extra HAH just kidding, please don’t take me seriously… He then lead us slow and steadily up the stairs, with our hands on the person in front’s shoulder’s. The higher up we ascended, the darker and darker it became. It was indeed the blind leading the blind.
We were then in complete darkness. Aside from a tiny little red light in the corner which I believe was just a security camera. I decided to immerse myself completely in the experience and just close my eyes so I had no distractions and I guess to also have a sense of how the waiters navigate not only now but always. In case you’re wondering, our waiter had no stick to guide him but instead echolocated, with the clicks and clacks that he produced with his mouth to make way around the restaurant and in the kitchens. With the sound waves bouncing off of the smooth surfaces of their surrounds, the staff served our dishes, topped our drinks and cleared our plates with ease. Extraordinary if you ask me.
For some reason my adrenaline was pumping the entire time. Like something magical was happening and I was apart of some unreal experience. Which I guess looking back, it was kind of along those lines. Nothing to see, no precaution judgements to make, no insecurities, no right or wrong table etiquette. Nothing but great conversation, our tastebuds going on a journey and an exciting energy connecting us.
Honestly I think the experience of dining in the dark itself would have had me satisfied. However, the cocktails and service weren’t the only great thing about NOX, but every single dish was exquisite. We all equally agreed on this and had so much fun trying to guess what we were eating. By loosing our sense of sight, our other senses took turn in playing a role of judgment. And how right and wrong we soon found our little sense detectives to be. Every crunch or sip, every aroma and linger. Then every suggestion someone else would make then transformed whatever we thought we were eating into that suggestion. Oh how our minds can play tricks on us!
We asked our lovely and comedic waiter his story and informed us that he was well on his way to age 50 when he suddenly became blind. I can’t remember the full details of his story but that itself stuck with me. We know things like this are possible but to hear it first hand hits a little different. I couldn’t imagine! A whole life with colour and image to be stripped away. This man was a true pioneer. After a taxing battle, he came through the other side hopeful and serendipitous. With a place like NOX where people like him have an opportunity to work, connect with strangers and feel at home, I have so much respect for this establishment.
When we came back down the stairs, hand to shoulders, step at a time, we were given a piece of paper to write down what we believe we ate (and maybe ordered another cocktail or two). Then after completing the survey, our host came to us with a screen showing us exactly what we were eating and let me tell you, it was pretty hit or miss. Someone would mistaken hazelnut for blueberry, or noddles for seaweed, it was definitely eye opening (heh).
This was for sure one of the top experiences of my life and believe me, I’ve had some good ones.
The next time I went was with just one friend so the experience was a little more intimate, quiet and not as exciting. Everything that was awesome the first time was still awesome though. My friend hadn’t been before so I was experiencing it all for the first time again with her. The waiter dared me to fill up our cups with water in the dark and I did so pretty well (the trick is to put a finger on the edge of the cup so you know when to stop). Then he thought it would be a fun idea to let us feed each other a spoon of our desserts, across the table, int he dark. That was a mess but so much fun.
When I went to NOX in 2020, it was still on the corner of Arab St (part off my favourite place in all of SG). I believe now they have grown and are repositioning to a more central and busy sector of the city. Good on them!
I highly highly recommend and can’t wait to visit again and get as many people as possible to visit too!