SINGAPORE — Can a society obsessed with taking food photos have a great time eating in a pitch-black dining room? Is it even possible to have a proper catch-up with a friend over a meal when you can’t even see her face? Is it enjoyable to munch on something you can’t see? Well, it’s a resounding yes on all counts at NOX — Dine In The Dark.

Singapore’s most unique dining experience, which opened in 2013, have their diners eat (or attempt to) in absolute darkness, with all light-emitting gadgets left outside.

Yes, it’s an intriguing culinary and sensory journey, but at the heart of it is the aim to change people’s view of the world by reversing perspectives, as you’re served and guided by specially trained visually-impaired staff, consequently turning the tables on society’s attitudes towards disability. Here, they have the upper hand and guests must put all their faith in them.

“Dining in the dark is a unique, memorable, and humbling experience. Being served and led by blind individuals, one gets to experience how it feels like to be blind (just for a meal), and understand (to a certain extent) the challenges and difficulties that the blind face. One also gets to experience the friendly hospitality provided by these blind hosts, showcasing how efficient and nimble they are in the dark,” shared NOX’s guest relations and PR manager Rachel Tan. “Dining in the dark gives people a new perspective on life and sight.”

NOX will be launching its new menu on the first week of April, with Head Chef Desmond Lee putting a modern spin on classic dishes, deconstructing some elements and changing others while keeping to its tradition of a French and Asian inspired menu.

Said Tan: “The best thing about dining in the dark is that you can solely focus on your food and pay more attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of each dish. And since you have no other distractions, you can focus on having a good conversation with your company (be it a date, friends gathering, or family night out).

“Of course, we do have the occasional dropping of some food or spilling of water like in any other restaurant, but guests usually walk out with clean and spotless clothes 99 per cent of the time,” said Tan. “To prevent ‘accidents’, it helps to be more careful. Move slowly in the dark and listen to the instructions from our visually–impaired staff.”

NOX — Dine In The Dark is located at 269 Beach Road. For reservations or more info, call 6298 0708 or visit http://www.noxdineinthedark.com.

NOX TIPS

1. Arrive on time and come with an open mind (no preconceived notions on whether you either like or dislike certain foods)

2. Enjoy some pre-dinner drinks in the lounge/bar area. NOX has a bar/lounge area that serves up some creative cocktails, wines, beers, mocktails, soft drinks, and juices (It’s also taking part in Singapore Cocktail Week, which ends this Saturday).

3. Ditch your light emitting mobile devices before dinner.

4. Enjoy the mystery wine or cocktail pairing to complement your 3-course meal.

5. Sit back and enjoy.