Smoking Shisha in the Middle East

Whether it’s in the Middle East or at the countless number of lounges popping up across the Western world, smoking shisha is the latest health controversy to hit the nightlife scene.

Shisha refers to the tobacco smoked in a hookah pipe, a syrupy blend of tobacco leaf, molasses and fruit. Contrary to what many believe, smoking shisha is not safer than smoking cigarettes, and users should exercise some caution before partaking. The hookah was developed sometime in the 16^th century. The details are hazy, but it was invented as a “supposedly” safe way for nobleman to enjoy the newly popular trend of smoking tobacco. Originating from either northern India or Persia, the water pipe spread through the Middle East and Arab world.

Smoking Shisha at a Street-Side Cafe, Cairo, Egypt © Jackmalipan | Dreamstime

The hookah has gone through multiple designs since its inception. Its common features include a bowl where the shisha is burned, a pipe, which transports the smoke through a water chamber, and a hose connected to the mouthpiece that the user smokes through. Historically, they have been made of copper and brass, and you can still find many antique pipes across the Middle East as decorative pieces. Nowadays, hookahs are made of more durable materials with more advanced designs. Many bars will feature pipes with multiple hoses, which are great for parties more than a few people.

While the jury is still out on the health effects of shisha, one should not assume it is safer in any way than smoking a cigarette. If you have any health concerns with smoke or tobacco, going to a hookah bar is not advised. For those who are good to partake, here are a few tips to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

• The water will help cool the smoke down, but if you want an even smoother smoke, ask the waiter to put some ice in the water chamber.
• If you’re sharing a hose and uneasy about germs, feel free to ask for a plastic tip that fits right on the nozzle of the mouthpiece, kind of like a “condom” for your hookah. You might get a funny look in the Middle East, but most Western lounges will accommodate. If one’s unavailable, cup your fist around the nozzle and smoke through your hand.
• Exhale in a coughing manner to blow smoke rings.
• As you start getting good at blowing rings, don’t forget to pass the hose! On the flip side, don’t rush the circle. Hookah should be a relaxing experience.
• More coals will allow the shisha to burn faster for thicker, more flavorful smoke, but this means it will also finish sooner, so adjust to taste. Moving the coals around the top foil will also ensure an even burn.
• Some multihose pipes have a ball bearing, which blocks off the air when a mouthpiece isn’t being used, allowing smoke to flow through the other hoses. Not every hookah has this, so cap the nozzle with your thumb if this is the case.
• Ask for the house blends when it comes to shisha flavors. If you’re unsure about what you’ll like, go for a single flavor and experiment with combinations from there. A common favorite is double apple.
• Continue flavor experimentation by pouring juice into the water chamber.
• Be nice to your waiters. They’ve maintained hundreds of hookahs, so if you think yours could be smoking better, just ask them.