The limited-time four-month "Dinner in the Dark" strips away your vision while you dine.

▲ Dining in complete darkness at "Dinner in the Dark." (Photo provided by Surprise Lab.)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

What would it be like to eat in an environment where you can’t see your hand in front of your face? Surprise Lab. has brought the international experience "Dinner in the Dark" to Taiwan, aiming to help participants explore and understand their reactions—both outward (to food and conversation) and inward (senses and emotions)—in total darkness.

Participants of "Dinner in the Dark" first wait on the first floor while handing over any glowing items (such as mobile phones). Then, a server guides them to the completely pitch-black dining area on the basement level. To better serve guests, the staff wear night-vision goggles. With no light whatsoever, any needs must be voiced, as raising a hand is hard for servers to notice. Eating is then a matter of feeling your way.


▲ The "Dinner in the Dark" menu is designed to stimulate taste, smell, and touch after visual deprivation. (Photo by Huang Shiyuan)

Since the "Dinner in the Dark" menu is designed to stimulate taste, smell, and touch after visual deprivation, it focuses on six major concepts: memory, tactile sensation, scent, five flavors, ingredients, and temperature. The dishes are not revealed in advance, but Chef Leon says the meals aim to faithfully present the original flavors of the ingredients, helping diners understand what they are eating. Wu Yunfang, PR representative of Surprise Lab., mentioned that no photos, ingredients, or dish descriptions are given beforehand or during service, with explanations provided only afterward. Through 18 courses, the experience aims to guide participants to rediscover ingredients, aromas, and flavors often overlooked in everyday dining.


▲ Servers wear night-vision goggles to assist guests more easily. (Photo by Huang Shiyuan)

"Dinner in the Dark" has a two-person booking limit, hoping that participants can let go of external distractions in the dark, express themselves more freely and openly, bridge interpersonal gaps, and get to know the person dining across from them anew.

When Surprise Lab. was first established, its goal was to surprise people through various pop-up events. Thus, the "Dinner in the Dark" event will only run for four months (July 1 – October 31). However, Wu Yunfang said that if it proves very popular, it might be extended somewhat, but will eventually end and be replaced by other surprise pop-up activities.

Address: No. 261, Yanji Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2701-6760

Restaurant reminder: Please assess your physical and mental condition when making a reservation. Not recommended for those with claustrophobia, pregnant women beyond 28 weeks, or children under 18. If you feel unwell during the meal, you may inform the server at any time and take a short break outside.