TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Dining in the Dark season three, which offers a culinary experience in absolute darkness, will conclude on Nov. 30.
By removing the sense of sight, this immersive experience enhances the senses of taste, touch, and smell, transforming each meal into a multi-sensory exploration. Since its debut, over 50,000 diners have ventured into the darkness.
Dining in the Dark, now located in Taipei's Daan District, was founded by Surprise Lab in 2016. It returned in 2022 after a four-year hiatus, introducing a series of innovative, rotating themed menus to ensure each visit is a surprise.
The concept of dark dining originated with Jorge Spielmann, a blind German clergyman. At a memorable dinner party, Spielmann blindfolded his guests, creating a unique and enjoyable experience.
Inspired by this success, Spielmann founded “Blindekuh” in 1999, the world's first blackout restaurant. His goal was to promote understanding by allowing guests to experience the world through their senses of touch, smell, and taste.
Dining in the Dark challenges guests to explore culinary creations without relying on sight. The sixth menu, "On Air," focused on interpersonal connections.
The seventh menu, "Space," transported diners on an imaginative journey through the cosmos. The current eighth menu, "Cheers," focuses on celebrating life's simple joys.
The "Cheers" menu offers a 90-minute five-course dining experience for two. It invites guests to celebrate not only special occasions but also the everyday moments that make life meaningful.
“It was like being a kid again, exploring food with my hands," a diner said. “It helped me appreciate the people around me and the simple things in life,” another noted.
*Only Chinese-language experiences are provided
