Sunqar, a restaurant perched at the highest point in Almaty, has introduced an unconventional new dining format: guests now eat with their eyes covered, completely deprived of visual cues.
Located within the city’s international ski jump complex at an elevation of 1,057 meters (3,468 feet) above sea level, Sunqar has long been known for its dramatic setting.
A destination known for views and proposals
Until recently, the restaurant’s main draw was its sweeping panoramic views of Almaty and the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Many guests booked tables specifically to propose marriage.
Sunqar also features a special table for couples with a glass floor and transparent walls, creating the sensation of dining inside a «glass room» suspended above the city, with a 360-degree view.
Dining in complete darkness
The restaurant has now added another layer of sensory experience: dinner in total darkness. Guests are blindfolded before the meal begins and are asked to identify dishes using taste, smell and texture alone.
Diners can choose from three menu options: Mediterranean, national cuisine or «A blind buy,» a surprise set whose contents remain secret until served. The cost of the experience is about $90 for two.
A new kind of romantic gesture
Organizers say the idea is simple: removing sight at such a dramatic height offers a different kind of unforgettable experience.
The concept is already generating lively discussion among Almaty residents, particularly women. Many say they would welcome such a dinner as a romantic gesture, viewing it as a sign of creativity and effort from a partner willing to go beyond conventional date ideas.
