[Review] Blind Dining, Bold Flavours: An Unforgettable Night at NOX – Dine in the Dark

We were unsure what to expect when we walked into NOX – Dine in the Dark restaurant on a quiet weekday evening. The promise of a multi-sensory culinary adventure sounded thrilling, but dining in complete darkness? That was a first.

A partner accompanied me, and we were both eager to put our senses to the test. NOX has been around in Singapore for some time and we have both heard of it but never visited it until tonight.

Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly at the dimly lit lounge on Club Street, where the ambiance was cosy and mysterious. The dining in the dark area is located on the second floor. On the ground floor where we entered, guests are served with drinks at the bar and light snacks while waiting to head up for dinner.

We ordered a cocktail and a mocktail to start the night, paired with an amuse-bouche.

Before entering the dining area, all light-emitting devices such as mobile phones and smart watches were stowed away in lockers. This heightened the anticipation, as we realised we were about to dive into a world where taste, touch, and smell reign supreme.

Dining in the Dark

Our host for the evening was Peter, a charismatic, visually impaired gentleman whose life story could fill a novel.

Recently blinded, Peter spoke candidly about his colourful past: including a nine-year jail stint in Japan, three marriages with a Thai, a Malaysian and a Cambodian, three children (two grown-up kids aged 26 and a surprise 3-year-old), one with each wife. His anecdotes added a deeply personal and unforgettable layer to our evening.

Peter expertly guided us into the pitch-dark dining room, where we fumbled our way to our seats, having to rely on Peter’s guidance and every word.

The forks, spoons, cups and napkins are all placed at designated positions on the dining table and Peter guided us to familiarise ourselves with the orientations so we can dine at ease. As I am left-handed, I wanted to shift my glass to the left side of the table, but was advised against it by Peter as it would jeopardise the dinner service by confusing the setup.

It is astonishing how much we take sight for granted; even something as simple as pouring water into a glass felt like a hefty chore. To do so, you would need to dip one of your fingers near the tip of the glass to get the haptic cue when the glass is near full.

The Mystery Menu

The three-course meal (S$98++ per person) consisted of 12 mystery dishes, crafted to challenge and delight our palates. The appertiser, main and dessert are all served in four small bowls each round. We were then instructed to enjoy each of the items in a clockwise manner, starting at the 6 o’clock mark with the bowl nearest to us.

The food is all cut into small pieces for easy consumption and there are no bones, shells or stuff that you can choke on or are difficult to eat. Every bite was a guessing game: Was that chili? Is this duck or beef? The lack of sight forced us to rely entirely on taste, texture, and smell, presenting a unique culinary experience.

After dinner, we returned to the lounge to uncover the true identities of the dishes. I was pleasantly surprised at being able to identify most of the mains and appertisers correctly. The desserts were more challenging as I generally do not like sweet food.

Overall, the food was enjoyable, but dining at NOX is more like a gastronomy adventure instead of just a meal. Dining in complete darkness not only sharpens your senses but also gives you a glimpse into the lives of the visually impaired. Peter’s humour and warmth made the experience deeply personal, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit.

With the ban on mobile phones and other electronic devices, NOX is also a great place to foster a deeper bond with family and friends or even a blind date (pun intended), without the distraction of modern electronic communication devices.

At S$98++ per person, it is a splurge-worthy night out that will leave you talking for weeks. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Singapore, NOX should be among the top options in your list.

NOX – Dine in the Dark

Address:
83 Club Street, Singapore 069451

Price:
S$98++ for the three-course meal
S$30++ for wine pairing
S$50++ for cocktails

Reservations: Strongly recommended, via Chope

Tip: Go with an open mind and maybe skip the white outfit!