Puff, Puff, Pass: A Guide to Enjoying Hookah
It seems like Hookah bars are popping up all over Tysons Corner, but while it may be a new trend in our area, the hookah’s origins trace back to India around the 15th Century.
Still, many don’t truly understand what it is. It won’t give you the same health risks that cigarettes do, but it’s still not great for you if used in excess, and it also won’t give you the high that smoking some other drugs will.
A Hookah itself is a pipe-like apparatus that includes a bass, bowl, hose, foil, coals and stem. This stem is the heart and soul of the hookah. It is what the smoke will travel down, and also houses the purge valve and hose port.
While hookahs vary in size and extravagance, they’re generally set up the same way, with a glass, water-filled base connected to a upright pipe topped with a bowl. The bowl holds the maassel, tobacco soaked in a mix of molasses, semidried fruit and honey with the occasional artificial flavoring. On top of it, separated by a thin sheet of aluminum foil peppered with tiny holes, is a lump of hot coal. A flexible tube connects to the water bowl, from which the user sucks in smoke that is cooled by the liquid, producing a smooth taste that doesn’t feel as rough as that of a cigarette.
The tradition of smoking hookah stretches across many countries and countless cultures, and here are some things that will keep you in good standing at a Hookah bar.
- When passing the hose, fold the handle so the tip is pointing at you, never point it at others, as it is a sign of disrespect and hostility.
- Never light a cigarette using the hookah coals, as it is considered rude and may taint the flavor;
- When talking, pass the hose to others who may want to smoke.
- Your hookah should be on the floor and not sitting above you;
- When sharing, turn the hookah to give others more slack with the hose, which will also help prevent it from tipping over.
A hookah is used to smoke a special kind of tobacco called “shisha” here in the U.S., but goes by several other terms abroad. Shisha is very moist and sticky tobacco that has been soaked in honey, molasses or other flavors and is smoked in a hookah. It comes in many flavors, including mint, apple and coconut, and some places even have fun or exotic flavors like Sex on the Beach.
Once you have the flavor you want, it’s time to fill the base of the pipe. Filling the base with the proper level of water is crucial for the perfect session, so aim for the base to submerge the stem at about 1.5 inches. Cold or room temperature water is best.
For Enhanced Flavor, try adding other liquids, including juices or concentrated flavors. When using liquids other than water, the flavor might be too strong so dilute the liquid with water to find your perfect taste.
For a cooler session try adding ice cubes to your base with cold water. This significantly lowers the temperature of the water, subtly chilling the smoke further. When adding ice cubes to your base, be sure to partially fill your base with water, as the ice cubes can damage your base if dropped harshly without some water to dampen the impact.
Now that you’re ready, here are some of the best places to enjoy the hookah pipe in our area.
Levant
The name “Levant” originally means the “Mediterranean Lands Of The East” and the Levant Restaurant and Lounge is a hookah bar that serves an array of Mediterranean wonders. Its Hookah smoking area is spacious with plenty of comfortable sofas, tables with candles and soft light.
8411 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, VA 22182
703-570-5555
www.levantva.com
Bey Lounge
This new hotspot provides a warm and friendly atmosphere with plenty of room in its lounge for those who enjoy Hookah. Its menu has a fine selection of foods, including Lebanese pizza and cheeses.
303 A Mill Street NE
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-2116
www.beylounge.com
Babalu
The casual nightspot offers Mediterranean dishes plus a lounge with a large selection of flavored tobacco for Hookah smokers to enjoy.
8605 Westwood Center Drive #100
Vienna, VA 22182
703-338-1001
www.babalutysons.com
Friends Kabob
Another casual Vienna favorite, which features a selection of kebabs and other Persian standards, plus a fine selection of flavored tobacco in a relaxed setting.
2063 Chain Bridge Road
Vienna, VA 22182
703-288-9126
www.friendskabob.com
Arabica
One of the best tobacco spots in our area, Arabica carries a wide selection of flavors, plus plenty of interesting Hookah pipes and accessories.
1110 W Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-538-9820
Fuzion
Opening its doors in 2013, this Hookah lounge is known for its music and fun atmosphere, plus an endless selection of Hookah flavors.
9530 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-865-7244
www.fuzionhookah.com
