Noir. Dining in the Dark Saigon: Fine Dining Served By Blind & Visually Impaired Waiters

Noir. Dining in the Dark Saigon

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Having to eat without being able to see their food is a daily experience for many people with vision impairments. On top of that, many have limited educational and employment support resources, hence it is challenging for them to find job opportunities anywhere in the world.

According to IFLA, there are about 4,000 visually impaired people in Ho Chi Minh City, only 6.3% of whom are successfully employed. Seeing a need to give blind and visually impaired residents more opportunities to learn and contribute meaningfully to society, Noir. Dining in the Dark Saigon trains and employs them, while offering visitors a new perspective on life.

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The first dining-in-the-dark restaurant with disabled staff

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Image credit: Uyen Phi

Located in District 1, Noir. is Vietnam’s first and only dining-in-the-dark restaurant. It houses 22 employees, including 11 of them who are visually impaired.

They undergo a three-month training programme which focuses on their customer service and interpersonal skills to boost their capabilities and confidence before serving real customers.

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A unique dining process in Saigon

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Image credit: Noir. Ăn trong bóng tối – Dining in the Dark

To fully indulge yourself in this multi-sensory dining experience, Noir. has specially curated a 2-hour journey for you and your counterpart. Get ready and đi nào.

Image credit: Noir. Ăn trong bóng tối – Dining in the Dark

Before you officially begin eating, you will be guided to Noir’s living room-like lounge area where the staff will describe the whole dining concept and process. You will also get to enjoy mini activities such as puzzle games to relax and chase away any jitters you might have.

Image credit: vyness

Now, on to the fun part. You will be guided into a pitch-black room where your dining experience officially begins.

The staff will guide you into the dark dining area
Image credit: Noir. Ăn trong bóng tối – Dining in the Dark

The restaurant serves various multi-course meal options with an extensive range of chef-recommended dishes inspired by modern European, Asian and Vietnamese cuisines. Tuck in to this interesting fusion with all your senses, sight aside. Vegan meals are also available upon request.

Savor the fine-dining ingredients carefully
Image credit: Noir. Ăn trong bóng tối – Dining in the Dark

Noir. has won the hearts of many locals and international tourists as they are impressed with its top-notch customer service and quality of food served. Additionally, the restaurant contributes actively to social change in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Noir. Dining in the Dark Saigon gives back to the community

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Aiming to create awareness for the blind and visually impaired community in Vietnam, Noir. donates a portion of its profits to charities working with local blind and visually impaired people. 

With such a great cause happening right in the heart of Saigon, do give Noir. a try to support and better understand the disabled community around you. 

Price range: VND700,000-VND750,000 (~USD30.50-USD32.68) per person
Address: Lane 178 – 180D Hai Bà Trưng, Đa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours:Tue–Wed & Fri–Sun 5.30PM-11PM | Thu 5.30PM-10PM | Closed Mondays
Telephone: 28 6263 2525
Noir. Dining in the Dark Saigon’s website

Also check out:

• Dabao concept – Heritage: a quaint District 1 café
• 10 Hong Kong-themed restaurants & cafes in Ho Chi Minh City
• Beau Tea Café is swathed in pink blossoms & chandeliers

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Cover image adapted from: Noir. Dining in the Dark

This article was produced in collaboration with National Youth Council Singapore‘s Asia-Ready Exposure Programme.