Whale Inside (Shanghai Branch)
How does one conduct a restaurant review when you cannot see what you are eating? Well, this review goes down as one of the more interesting location I have so far encountered in Shanghai; eating in a pitch dark, zero visibility restaurant! Whale Inside is a theme restaurant that has established restaurants in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
“Whale Inside” is located in Daning Lifestyle Hub, which is within walking distance from Yan Cheng Road Line 1 metro station. Located in Building 12, the restaurant is located on the 5th floor amongst other choices of restaurants. The style of the restaurant is youthful and modern. In fact, I had no expectations as I assumed that I would be spending most of the time in darkness.
The waiting staffs are young and energetic who are fortunately equipped with state of the art, night vision goggles (NVG). All guests are required to select their set menus before entering the dark room and lockers are provided to dispose of valuables. Once ready, guests will be led single-file into the dark restaurant by a staff equipped with a NVG. On entering, your senses will quickly tune in to other guests already dining in the room. Eavesdropping on conversations and trying to identify the source of each clang and clatter is part of the fun.
We selected the taster menu, which provided a combined selection of Chinese and continental dishes. The meal is delivered promptly by waiters who are always at hand to provide assistance. It is also interesting to know that the NVG-enabled waiters are watching you but you cannot see them. For starters, we received Chinese broth, followed by spaghetti, stir-fry prawns and baked fish for mains. All dishes are adequately sized and prepared to allow you to consume without too much spillage. Overall, the dishes are pleasant enough but not categorized as fine cuisine. Most guests tend to enjoy sharing this fun experience with friends or special dates.
Overall, if you are seeking a fun and enjoyable time with friends, this theme establishment will certainly provide you with first-hand experience of eating in the dark. To understand this a little, try eating your meal blindfolded; if you can succeed in finding your fork and spoon, you might start to question the first bites of your meal. What am I eating? Is it a piece of fish or chicken? Should it taste like this?
Whale Inside is open for lunch and dinner but pre-booking is recommended if organizing an office party or large private party. However, take note that this is not a late night restaurant because the building’s property management closes at 2200 hours. Just an idea, if you want to create more fun, brings along a water pistol or laser pointer!
Service: fun, engaging, spoken Chinese only (English menu available)
Atmosphere: dark, intriguing, fun, exciting
Customer Age Group: 20 to 35 years old
Purpose: theme party, fun date, office party
Price per Head: 100 - 300 for set menu
By Brain Sun
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