Shisha, or hookah, isn’t just about the smoke—it’s an entire ritual that brings people together, creating a relaxing, social atmosphere. Preparing shisha is a skillful process, requiring careful steps and a deep understanding of flavors, heat, and timing. For those who enjoy a great shisha experience, there’s more than meets the eye. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of how shisha is expertly crafted in a restaurant, from choosing flavors to achieving the perfect setup for a smooth, flavorful smoke.
Step 1: Selecting the Ideal Shisha Flavor
Every shisha experience begins with choosing the right flavor. Shisha tobacco, called maassel, is a blend of finely chopped tobacco leaves soaked in honey, molasses, or glycerin, which helps create a smooth, rich taste. Lounges often offer a wide range of flavors, from classic options like mint and apple to more creative choices like blueberry or even dessert-inspired blends.
An experienced shisha maker understands the guests’ preferences and selects only top-quality maassel brands. Choosing the flavor is essential since it sets the stage for the entire session and ensures a satisfying smoke with every puff.
Step 2: Prepping the Hookah Base with Water
Once the flavor is picked, it’s time to prepare the hookah’s base. The base is typically filled with just enough water to cover the downstem, allowing smoke to pass through for a cool, filtered hit. Some lounges add ice or fruit slices to the water to enhance flavor and cool the smoke further, adding an extra twist to the experience.
Step 3: Fluffing and Packing the Bowl
The bowl is where the magic of flavor happens, so how it’s packed can make or break the session. The shisha maker starts by lightly fluffing the tobacco before placing it in the bowl. This helps create even airflow and allows the flavor to come through without harshness. Pressing down the tobacco too tightly can make the session rough, while a loose pack results in a smoother, longer-lasting smoke.
After the bowl is packed, it’s covered with foil stretched tightly across the top. Using a pin or specialized tool, the shisha maker pokes small holes in the foil, creating the ideal airflow to carry the flavor throughout the session.
Step 4: Lighting the Charcoal for the Right Heat
Charcoal is a critical part of the shisha process. Natural coconut charcoal is often preferred since it burns cleanly, without adding unwanted smells. The shisha maker lights the charcoal on a special burner until it turns red-hot, indicating it’s ready to provide steady heat to the tobacco.
Placing the charcoal around the edge of the bowl, the shisha maker ensures the tobacco heats slowly, keeping the flavor consistent without burning. Throughout the session, they’ll rotate the charcoal to maintain even heat and a smooth smoking experience.
Step 5: Testing the Setup
Before bringing the shisha to the guests, the shisha maker takes a few gentle puffs to ensure everything is working as planned. This step allows them to gauge if the flavor and airflow are on point. If the smoke seems too light, they may add extra charcoal, while if it’s too intense, they’ll adjust the coals for balance. Testing the shisha beforehand ensures that every guest has a smooth, enjoyable experience from the start.
Step 6: Serving the Shisha to Guests
Finally, the shisha is ready to be served! With care, the shisha maker brings it to the table, often placing a disposable mouthpiece on the hose for hygiene. They’ll hand it to the guests, who are ready to enjoy a rich, flavorful smoke. For beginners, the server might give a few quick tips on how to inhale smoothly for the best flavor and to avoid overheating the bowl. Attentive staff may also check in during the session to rotate or replace the charcoal, keeping the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Why Babati Sets the Standard for Premium Shisha in Dubai’s Business Bay?
For a top-notch shisha experience in Dubai, Babati in Business Bay is a must-visit. Known for their attention to detail, Babati offers a unique blend of high-quality shisha flavors and authentic Lebanese dishes. Their team of skilled shisha makers ensures each session is tailored to perfection, so guests can enjoy smooth, flavorful smoke with every puff.
Babati’s dedication to quality ingredients, combined with a welcoming atmosphere and skilled staff, makes it a favorite spot for shisha enthusiasts in Dubai’s Business Bay. So whether you’re new to shisha or a seasoned fan, Babati promises a memorable experience that goes beyond just smoke—it’s the art of shisha at its finest.
