Shisha, also known as hookah, is a popular social activity enjoyed in many lounges around the world. For many, the process of preparing shisha is an art that requires precision, experience, and the right ingredients. From choosing the best tobacco flavors to perfecting the charcoal arrangement, each step plays a crucial role in delivering a smooth and enjoyable shisha experience. This guide will walk you through the detailed process of how shisha is prepared in a restaurant setting, so you can appreciate the skill that goes into each puff.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Shisha Tobacco
The journey begins with selecting the perfect shisha tobacco, also known as maassel. Maassel is often made from finely chopped tobacco leaves soaked in molasses, honey, or glycerin to create a sweet, flavorful base. Restaurants usually offer a variety of flavors ranging from classic favorites like apple and mint to more exotic choices like rose, blueberry, or even dessert-inspired blends. High-quality shisha lounges use only the best brands and blends, ensuring a flavorful and consistent smoking experience.
Experienced shisha makers often know the popular flavor profiles that guests enjoy and will carefully select tobacco from top brands to maintain high quality. The flavor selection process is crucial, as it sets the foundation for the entire shisha session.
Step 2: Preparing the Hookah Base with Water
Once the tobacco is selected, the next step is preparing the hookah base. The base of the hookah is usually filled with water, which serves as a filter for the smoke, cooling it down before it reaches the hose. The water level is carefully measured to ensure it just covers the bottom of the hookah’s downstem, which allows for optimal filtration without restricting airflow.
For a twist, some lounges might add ice, fruit slices, or even flavored water to the base. This adds an extra layer of flavor and coolness to the smoke, enhancing the overall experience.
Step 3: Packing the Bowl
Packing the shisha bowl is one of the most important steps in the preparation process. The bowl is where the tobacco is placed, and how it’s packed affects the smoke’s intensity and flavor. The shisha maker starts by gently fluffing the tobacco and placing it loosely in the bowl, allowing for good airflow and even heat distribution. Over-packing or pressing the tobacco down too firmly can restrict airflow and make the shisha session harsh.
Once the bowl is packed, a layer of aluminum foil is stretched tightly over it. Small holes are then poked into the foil using a specialized tool or a pin to ensure the right amount of airflow. This step is done with great care to create a smooth, long-lasting session without any harshness.
Step 4: Heating the Charcoal
The type and placement of charcoal are essential for a quality shisha session. Natural coconut charcoal is often preferred for its longer burn time and clean flavor, as it doesn’t release unwanted chemicals or odors. The charcoal is heated on a special burner until it turns red-hot, ensuring that it’s ready to provide steady heat to the tobacco.
Once the charcoal is fully lit, it is carefully placed on the foil-covered bowl. Many shisha makers use a “ring” placement, where the coals are positioned around the edge of the bowl to prevent the tobacco from burning too quickly. The coals are then rotated periodically during the session to ensure even heating and maintain consistent smoke quality.
Step 5: Testing and Adjusting
Before serving the shisha to the guests, the shisha maker will usually take a few gentle puffs to test the smoke quality and make any necessary adjustments. This step is essential for ensuring that the shisha delivers a smooth, flavorful smoke. If the smoke is too light, additional charcoal may be added to increase the heat. Conversely, if the smoke is too harsh, the shisha maker may remove or reposition the charcoal to balance the temperature.
Testing also allows the shisha maker to identify any potential airflow issues, ensuring that the session is enjoyable from the first puff to the last.
Step 6: Serving the Shisha to Guests
Once the shisha is ready, it’s time to serve it to the guests. A skilled shisha maker will place the hookah on the table carefully, often with a disposable mouthpiece for hygiene purposes. The shisha hose is then handed to the guests, who are ready to enjoy a session of rich, flavorful smoke. The server may also provide instructions for beginners on how to inhale smoothly and avoid overheating the bowl.
Throughout the session, attentive staff may come by to rotate or replace the charcoal, ensuring a consistent smoke quality for an extended period.
Why Babati Offers an Unforgettable Shisha Experience?
For those looking to experience premium shisha in Dubai, restaurants in business bay like Babati stand out for their attention to detail and high standards. Babati is a great shisha lounge business bay has to offer, providing an unforgettable experience with skilled shisha makers and high-quality ingredients.The shisha flavors at Babati come from top brands, promising a rich, consistent smoke that caters to diverse tastes.
In addition to its exceptional shisha, Babati also serves a variety of authentic Lebanese dishes, making it a perfect place to enjoy both great food and shisha in a warm, welcoming setting. The experienced staff ensures that each shisha session is crafted with precision, providing guests with a memorable experience in the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay.