Hookah Joints are Hot around the World

Source from:  Tobacco Asia  03/19/2014

One of the bright lights of the tobacco scene around the world is the increasing popularity of cafés serving hookahs, shishas, hubbly bubblies, call them what you will. Once associated almost exclusively with street cafes in Middle Eastern and North African cities like Beirut and Cairo, this expanding phenomenon no longer covers merely the traditional markets. It now extends to western cities such as Madrid, London, and New York, where young, hip professionals are spending their dollars on cocktails and a bowl of flavored tobacco. Reports emerging from the US put the increase in such venues as high as 210 percent in the last five years.

The shisha cafés and bars in these cities that are part of immigrant Arab communities are seeing a wider crowd of westerners coming than they would traditionally have expected. Some smokers say they find the decor of the Arabic themed bars appealing, and the pipe itself also has an aesthetic appeal. But increasing numbers of places are owned and managed by westerners and often have shishas as part of the entertainment alongside DJs and live music.

These restaurants, bars and cafés are mixing shisha with sophisticated wine lists, custom cocktails and dinner menus that are as likely to have grilled tiger prawns with pernod sauce as falafel, hummus and baba ghanoush.

People in Manhattan are reported puffing in barber shops and the pastime seems to have caught on with rappers. Shisha parties, in which groups of friends gather in parks are also on the up, and increasing numbers of smokers carry portable pipes around in their pockets.

Here's a brief taste of shisha joints around the globe.

Suite 55

47 W55th Street, New York, tel 212 957 1899, www.suite55nyc.com.

The huge list of hookah flavors at Studio 55 includes standards, but they also dole out specials with tempting names like Big Apple Pie, Cuban Hurricane and Miami Kiss. For those with a few extra bucks in their pocket, they also offer a standout of Hookah with Cristal champagne at $1,500. Order that and you get to take the hookah home with you. There are DJs spinning House music, a dance floor and live samba and belly dancing shows from Thursday to Saturday. The extensive food menu mixes North African, Middle Eastern and western food in dishes like lamb merguez, couscous tajine and New York striploin with pepper sauce.

Cafe Cairo

88 Landor Rd, London SW9, tel 0207 207 0926, www.cafecairo.co.uk.

A venue very much dedicated to cultural events, Café Cairo often has live music, talks, and film shows. The cafe has free wifi and a menu with desserts, hot cocktails and teas.

Sideshows include books to read and games including chess and backgammon. A crucial feature is the shisha garden with its own Bedouin style tent at the back, complete with floor cushions, low tables and Turkish coffee. Open Thursday to Sunday.

Bar De La Comedia

C/Principe 16, Madrid, tel 91 521 51 64.

Described as an "urban club", Madrid's Bar De La Comedia draws 20- to 30-somethings for DJs spinning a blend of hip-hop, reggae and R&B. But one of the favourite spots is the attached hookah lounge, where flavored smokes offer some gentle respite from the heaving, dancing crowds. Open till 3.30am, it usually has free entry, but a service charge will often kick in from Thursday to Saturday, depending on the event.

The Green Room

Leopoldstraße 13, Munich, tel 089 3306 6352.

This small, intimate space is packed with students and young professionals enjoying the menu of flavored tobaccos. The night is helped along with a list of over 150 cocktails and DJs who provide funky but laid back lounge music. There's an outdoor terrace and the food is Thai, with the usual spicy curries, soups and salads featuring strongly.

De Ja Vu

104, Dataran Jelatek, Kuala Lumpur, tel 60 3 4253 2101, www.facebook.com/dejavukl.

Handmade shisha flavors are the star attraction at De Ja Vu. They come in recipes such as Mixed Soda, Orange County and Green Lemonade to enjoy while chilling out in a very stylish interior. They have a restaurant and flat screen TVs that show the sport, including all live matches in the football season. The place has become so popular it has doubled in size since opening six years ago. Enditem