A few weeks ago, FoodBuzz received the honor to try dining experience like none other at DID (Dine in the Dark) which is, true to the name, dining in complete pitch black darkness with absolutely zero light, not even a phone or a watch or any technological devices that can emit light in the room. It’s not romantic dinner under the candlelight that you may think of because this is totally a next level.

DID or Dine in the Dark was first originated in high-end hotels in the city of Bangkok, Thailand before it spread its wing and found its second nest in Phnom Penh in 2013 and more recently, in 2018 in the majestic Siem Reap.

Dining experience at DID starts since you step your foot into the restaurant as you will be warmly welcomed by the staff on the ground floor before you get a brief introduction into what DID is. Then, you will be presented with four choices of 4-courses menu to choose from: International, Khmer, Vegetarian and Chef’s Monthly Selection.

Upon your menu selection, you will then be asked to leave your phone and all technological devices or anything that emit light in a safety box to guarantee the same 100% pitch black darkness experience for every guest.

And of course, you may already be able to tell that DID only serves dinners from the name, and to further maximize and authenticate the concept. Guests may be expected to wait until the sunlight is drowned out from the sky, so the duration of how long you are waiting is depend on each day.

A responsible personal guide serving you for the evening will be introduced to you and this is the highlight point of DID as all guides serving in restaurant are visually impaired. As a social dimension to the restaurant, DID employs the visually impaired and provides them with competitive salary and by doing this, it also empowers them and allows them an opportunity to show off their skills and talents, learn new skills and also let us sighted people to, for once, be guided and helped by the visually impaired. With the usual roles reversed here, we get to have a hands-on experience on what it might be like to be visually impaired and it also bridges the gap on the so-called differences as the interaction takes place.

Once ready, you will be asked to hold on to the shoulders of the guide and follow him/her like a train to the first floor where dinners will be served. Inside the room, either with eyes closed or open it’s the same as it’s completely dark with absolutely zero hint of light. No worries though as you will be safely guided to your table and the guide will tell you what are presented on the table: spoon, fork, knife, glass and such. If there is any question or help, just call out his/her name and they will be at your service shortly.

After you are done with the dinner, the guide will safely take you back to the ground floor where you will bid farewell to your guide for serving you for the evening and you will be then shown pictures of dishes that you savor earlier in the dark and also pick up your devices.

Personally, dining in a complete darkness truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we believe everyone should try at least once. It is almost therapeutic and calming in a way, thanks to the absence of light and technological distractions. It really encourages you to be present and interact with the person/people you’re with to take in and appreciate the environment you’re in.  It is a detox from the busy, hectic lifestyle we continuously engage in. On top of that, we get to hone our other senses besides our visual to assess the food and environment and it is also fun to play and guess the food you are served as every bite you take is a journey into the unknown. Who knows what it might be?

But don’t you worry! While we cannot tell you what the dishes are as it means we will ruin the surprise for you, we can guarantee the food is amazingly satisfying because our plates were all wiped clean after each dish despite having zero ideas what we were eating.

Overall, FoodBuzz totally recommends this to our readers who are looking for one of a kind experiences while also giving back to the society and helping the visually impaired. Last but not least, to our shy readers who want to see their crush on a date but are too shy to look into their eyes, DID is perfect for you! Amazing food, alluring atmosphere for some heart-to-heart conversation (and skinship)! let’s just save the looking in the eyes for later!

*** Tips to make sure you don’t unknowingly leave food on the plate:

Step 1: Assess the shape and size of the plate when served

Step​ 2: Take in the smell and use the spoon or hand to guess what might be in the plate

Step 3: Use the provided utensils to eat or hands if necessary (there’s a napkin for you to clean your hands on the table)

Step 4: Once finished, drag your spoon across the plate from right to left all over the plate to double check you don’t waste food

Price: $22 per 4-courses surprise menu (One Starter, Two Main Course and One Dessert) 

Location: Phnom Penh: #126 St. Yukkunthor (19), Phnom Penh | Googlemap 

Siem Reap: Near Angkor High School,  St. 7 Makara, Siem Reap | Googlemap