Kurayami Gohan, or Dinner in the Dark, is a three-hour dining experience in Japan that invites guests to dine alongside one another while wearing blindfolds. Naturally, the experience of eating food is heightened with one's sense of sight temporarily removed. While there are some restaurants that are built around the idea of dining in the dark, this event is centered on encouraging guests to try dishes, communicate with one another and experience "mindfulness through food."
Without visual cues, diners are challenged to focus on the language that they use to identify different dishes. The experience also offers a unique way to pay attention to group dynamics, as it is said that a leader often naturally emerges to guide others.
At Dinner in the Dark, guests can expect to eat simple dishes like soups, salads and sides with a twist.
Blindfolded Dining Events
Dinner in the Dark Has Blindfolded Guests Eat & Chat with One Another
Trend Themes
1. Blindfolded Dining - Opportunity for restaurants to create immersive dining experiences that heighten the senses and promote mindfulness through food.
2. Multi-sensory Dining - Potential for restaurants to engage all senses and create unique dining experiences that go beyond just taste.
3. Interactive Dining - Opportunity to foster social interaction and communication among diners by removing visual distractions during a meal.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Hotels and restaurants can incorporate blindfolded dining experiences to attract guests seeking unique, immersive dining experiences.
2. Event Planning - Event planners can organize blindfolded dining events as a creative and memorable experience for corporate events or special occasions.
3. Wellness - Wellness retreats and mindfulness centers can incorporate blindfolded dining as a way to promote mindfulness, sensory awareness, and connection with food.