No lights, no phones: Inside The Westin Manila’s Dining in the Dark

The Westin Manila invites the adventurous to experience dining in a different light through Dining in the Dark, a concept that first debuted in Bangkok in 2012.

Like the best mystery movies, it’s better to be kept in the dark for as long as possible with minimal spoilers.

The evening starts at a holding area outside the hotel’s third-floor function rooms, which have been meticulously transformed into the Dining in the Dark venue. Before entering, anything capable of emitting light must be surrendered. Phones and smartwatches are the usual suspects, but even eyeglasses and jewelry are deposited in handy lockers outside.

After a short briefing, guests are given aprons, just in case things get messy, and introduced to their guides for the evening. The guides are visually impaired, and who better to lead diners into a pitch-black room than people who have spent their lives navigating the world without sight?

Then the immersion truly begins.

Guests are led into the dining room through a maze of walls and blackout curtains. Credit must be given to The Westin Manila for creating a space as dark as it is. I have never experienced darkness like it. The first few minutes were nerve-wracking and uncomfortable, but once I settled in, I found myself relaxing into the experience, surrounded by the nervous chatter of the people in my group.

At the table, the server seats you and provides a few basic instructions, such as where to find the utensils and your glass of water.

The true stars of this dinner, however, are the guides and servers themselves. JP, our guide for the evening, was a reassuring and comforting presence throughout the experience. Beyond leading us through the darkness, he shared stories about the visually impaired communities and how they get around the world at large. His anecdotes carried themes of hope, courage, and resilience, punctuated by the occasional zinger directed at those of us who can still see.

The servers have also been trained exceptionally well in presenting the menu. Their descriptions and instructions make it clear that they have gone through the experience themselves. Listen closely, as some dishes come with specific do’s and don’ts that help diners fully appreciate what the chefs intended.

Again, with minimal spoilers, all I can safely reveal is that the meal begins with a trio of bites deliberately obfuscated in smoke and (figurative) mirrors, followed by an appetizer that must be mashed and mixed together with a surprise drink on the side, a main multi-component surf-and-turf main course that are best enjoyed separately, finishing off with dessert that explodes in your mouth. With these four thoughtfully executed courses, you do get your money’s worth.

After an optional coffee, tea, or post-dinner glass of wine, it is time to return to the world outside. There is a brief moment of dizziness and disorientation upon leaving, but that is very much part of the experience.

The evening closes with a grand reveal in the form of a slideshow showcasing the dishes that were served earlier. I have to hand it to Executive Chef Kiko Santiago and his team. Even though diners never see the food while eating it, the kitchen still goes all out with the presentation incorporating aroma and texture to heighten the impact of the dishes sans sight.

As much as I really enjoyed Dining in the Dark, it may not be for everyone. Those with a fear of darkness, enclosed spaces, or those who struggle with panic and anxiety attacks may find the experience challenging. For those hoping to confront those fears, however, this can be a safe and supportive environment in which to take the first step, especially when shared with a group of friends whose conversation keeps the darkness at bay.

Dining in the Dark is a refreshing reminder that a meal does not have to begin with seeing what is on the plate. In an age where cameras often get the first bite, this is one dinner where there is absolutely no pressure for the camera to eat first.

More than the food itself, it is the empathy one gets through the stories of the guides and servers linger long after the meal ends. It leaves you with a warm appreciation for their experiences as you step back out into the night and begin the journey home.

Dining in the Dark at The Westin Manila offers dinner seatings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the venue closing at 10 p.m. and is priced at P3,990/pax. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are highly recommended.