Are you prepping up for an event/get-together/wedding? Are you part of an event-management team? Whatever the social call, it is incomplete in Dubai without shisha! And since you’re reading this post, you already know why.
A tradition passed down through generations, smoking shisha is an undisputed way to unwind, celebrate, and bond. If you’re as huge a fan of it as we are, you may consider buying a shisha setup. Are you also entering “shisha online Dubai” into your search bar or looking for alternatives like the shisha catering Dubai offers to enhance your event experience?
Whether buying a shisha setup or renting it out, a few things are worth keeping in mind.
But first, let’s start by referring to ‘shisha setup’ with what it actually is: a hookah!
WHAT REALLY IS A HOOKAH?
Contrary to popular belief, hookah and shisha are not interchangeable terms. Shisha is a traditional mix of flavored tobacco with traces of fruit or molasses sugar, while a hookah is an instrument used to smoke shisha.
Believed to have originated in India during the Mughal reign, the hookah traveled with its intoxicating wisps to Persia and beyond over the years. Although this origin is still debated, most cultures openly welcomed hookah.
But have you ever wondered what it was like before hookah? Believe it or not, people smoked shisha in coconut shells back then! The traditional Persian name for hookah is narghile – derived and connected to coconuts.
Interesting, right? Moving on, let’s understand the primary purpose of a hookah.
HOW A HOOKAH WORKS
Regardless of the type and design, the basic functionality of a hookah is filtering smoke from the burning shisha and allowing it to pass through a hose for inhalation. Therefore, the three main components of a hookah are the hose, the bowl to hold the shisha, and the base to hold water for filtration. Connecting these three components is a shaft and a tray for residue/excess.
Now that you know the purpose of a hookah and its basic working, let’s uncover its various types.
TYPES OF HOOKAH
Broadly, the types of hookahs can be grouped into traditional and modern. While all of them comprise the three main components, they differ in size, design, material, and draw.
Turkish, Egyptian, and Syrian hookahs are among the most famous traditional hookahs. But, of course, what we’re referring to as ‘traditional’ at present, are mere traces and developments of hookahs that were present once upon a long, long time ago.
Egyptian Hookahs
Egyptian hookahs are the most widely used and available hookahs. They’re usually the ones you’d see in most cafes and restaurants. They are made of brass, stainless steel, and copper. With a closed chamber, open draw, and beautiful engravings at times, Egyptian hookahs are also the benchmark to measure draw.
Turkish Hookahs
With cult-following, Turkish hookahs are not as readily available as Egyptian hookahs. They’re also often seen with intricate engravings and barebone constructions. Usually made with copper and a brass stem, their restricted draw sets them apart.
Syrian Hookahs
The rarest of them all, Syrian hookahs are a connoisseur’s collectible. With traces of a long-lost, war-waged, and desolate culture, they’re usually in nickel, copper, and brass. Sometimes, you may spot one in stainless steel. Syrian hookahs also feature handmade engravings, a closed chamber, and an unexplainable, unparalleled draw.
On the other hand, the varieties of modern hookahs are adaptations and inspired versions of the traditional ones. Renditions of newer civilizations, some of the modern hookahs include Glass, American, and Brazilian.
Immensely popular about a decade ago, Glass hookahs have a unique aesthetic appeal even today. Popular Brazilian hookahs are relatively concise in their design. Their hose ports are recessed and come out directly from the heart. American hookahs, on the contrary, are a much more recent design with high quality and a blend of traditional beauty with modern functionality.
With this reasonably good base in understanding nuances, let’s delve into the things to consider when buying or renting a hookah.
THINGS TO CONSIDER IN A HOOKAH
While you’re most likely to find the Egyptian and modern varieties of hookahs in the market, do keep in mind the following factors:
01 | MATERIAL
With the current trends, stainless steel is considered the best material in hookahs. Its high durability, easy maintenance, and lesser buildup minimize the chances of corrosion and damage. Stainless steel hookahs are also more reasonably priced.
02 | HEIGHT
The most preferred height of hookahs is from 28 to 32 inches. Although some people believe that higher hookahs give more smoke, there is no evidence to support it.
03 | HOSES
With multiple hoses, smoking with a group is easier and more convenient. So, if you’re more likely to enjoy your shisha smoking sessions with a larger group, you may consider a hookah with multiple hoses.
04 | AESTHETICS
Looks matter if you’re planning to impress your guests with your hookah. And why shouldn’t you? Hookahs were considered a status symbol at one point in time. But, even when kept at home, a beautiful hookah with engravings and artistic finesse can become a part-time showpiece and a center of attraction. So, whether you want a minimal, contemporary style, or a more traditional style of hookah, there’s a lot you can explore!
05 | MAINTENANCE
Especially when you’re considering buying a hookah rather than renting it, paying attention to its ease of maintenance will be a long-term benefit. You don’t want to spend hours cleaning it, protecting it from damage, or repairing it.
06 | CUSTOMER SERVICE
Similarly, consider the customer service of the brand you’re buying your hookah from. Customer service also holds importance in renting hookahs, as little things like any-time pick-up and doorstep delivery, prompt responses, and expert guidance prove to be highly valuable and convenient.
For upcoming events and event planning, however, we’d suggest looking up shisha catering services rather than buying a hookah or renting it. Shisha catering will fulfill your requirement for the perfect hookah and elevate your event with customized shisha menus, high-quality accessories, a plethora of exotic flavors, and highly skilled shisha masters. Brands like Shisha Art customize all this to synchronize with your theme. They provide shisha masters and sommeliers in branded uniforms based on your dress code and also arrange performances to entertain your guests and you. In addition, Shisha Art’s VIP shisha catering package includes live shisha preparation, a deluxe menu with fresh fruit platters and gadgets, and expert guidance and tips for everything hookah and shisha related!
And with the premium shisha online Dubai offers, shisha catering is impressively equipped and highly convenient.
That brings us to the end of this post. We hope you found what you were looking for and much more. Happy hookah choosing!
