Noir. Dining in the Dark — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

I’m so devastated to leave this review. I planned to come here for weeks and expected an inventive, unforgettable, high quality experience. Let’s just say I will never forget it, but for all the wrong reasons. There was a point where I genuinely questioned if I was getting scammed. I literally had to laugh my way through the meal. I kept picturing Ashton Kutcher jumping out from a dark corner.

Every dish somehow tasted like mushy boat water or crunchy scorched herbal paper. I think they try way too hard to make the texture the main feature instead of the taste. As a “fine dining” experience, the number one priority should be refined and diverse flavors, especially when your senses are intentionally heightened.

I’m a vegetarian, so I made an assumption that maybe they aren’t used to catering to plant-based needs in regards to flavor — turns out the owner also runs a vegetarian restaurant next door!? I’m sincerely so confused. The entire vegetarian menu needs review for a more rewarding, flavor-forward experience.

I finished my meal so quickly because I just wanted it to be over, each bite somehow more disappointing than the last. I was asked if I wanted a second portion of anything, and for the first time in my life I had to turn down a complimentary dish (bare in mind there were 11 dishes and literally none of them were worth a second helping).

For context — I’m a huge foodie who has eaten in 35 countries around the world and this will go down as the worst dining experience of my life.

Everything else aside from the food was awesome. But judging by the fact I paid 10x the amount of a typical (far more flavorful and satisfying) Vietnamese dish, I was disappointed to say the least.

Afterwards I walked down the street to get a Banh Mi for .50 cents and enjoyed it more than every dish at...

Do you know the feeling when you open a blind box like Labubu? 🙈 The mix feeling of excitement and “I have no clue what I’m about to get”? That’s exactly what dining here feels like. You literally have no idea what’s about to show up on your table — and honestly, that makes it super fun. Before stepping into the “Noir” dining room, they give you a welcome drink you got 2 choices alcohol and non-alchohol, of course I chose the alcohol one as I only live once 😝 , and a small warm-up activity to get used to the darkness. Then your waitress (mine was Hậu — shoutout to her, she was amazing!) leads you into the pitch-black room. And when I say dark, it's a darkness. Not even a dim light 🌟 — you can’t see anything. I was a bit nervous at first, worried I’d bump into something or stupidly break a glass 😥 , but Hậu always had my back and made me feel safe. I went with the 3-course option (the cheapest one), which actually came with 11 dishes — from appetizers to dessert. And omg, trying to figure out what you’re eating without seeing it is way harder than I thought. My brain just went blank half the time. Only when you’re done and back in the lobby do they reveal the pictures and names of what you had — and that part was such a shock and fun surprise. Since me and my friends knew we wouldn’t recognize the food right away, we made it into a little game: whoever guessed the least dishes correctly had to take a “penalty.” Out of 11 dishes, I only guessed 4 right… lol. Trust me, it’s way tougher than it sounds without vision. Overall, I had such a good time. Sitting in the Noir room with your friends, laughing, guessing what’s on your plate, and actually talking without any phone distractions 📱 (they’re all kept in lockers) makes the experience feel super special. No lights, no phones, just...

Dining in the dark is an exceptional culinary adventure that transcends traditional dining experiences, offering a unique exploration of taste and sensory perception. This unconventional concept, where patrons enjoy their meals in complete darkness, comes with its own set of pros and cons.

One of the standout features is the heightened sensory experience it provides. Stripped of visual distractions, the senses of taste, touch, and smell are intensified, allowing diners to truly savor the flavors and textures of each dish. This immersion in the essence of the food leads to a newfound appreciation for the artistry behind culinary creations.

Moreover, the communal aspect of dining in complete darkness fosters social interaction. As patrons navigate the challenge of consuming a meal without sight, conversations flow more freely, creating a shared experience that brings people together. This shared journey through the unknown adds an element of mystery and surprise to the dining adventure, with diners guessing the ingredients and composition of each dish.

However, this unique experience does come with its set of challenges. The most apparent is the difficulty in navigating the dining area without sight. Accidental spills and fumbled cutlery are not uncommon, requiring a level of adaptability and patience from participants. The limited visibility of the menu also poses a challenge, as diners may miss the visual appeal of expertly presented dishes, impacting their overall satisfaction.

Additionally, the concept of dining in complete darkness might induce anxiety or discomfort for some about relinquishing visual control. It's crucial for participants to be aware of and comfortable with this aspect before embarking on...