Everything You Need to Know About Smoking Shisha
Smoking shisha has become a popular pastime around the world, with hookah lounges as go-to spots in cities worldwide. However, the experience isn’t limited to hookah bars — you can bring this flavorful and social experience into your own home with a personal hookah setup. Here’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know to get started with shisha smoking, from what it is to how to get started.
What is Shisha?
Shisha is versatile, allowing you to smoke various substances such as tobacco, herbs, or even cannabis. However, the traditional choice is flavored hookah tobacco, which is moist and juicy, quite different from traditional cigarette or cigar tobacco. Hookah tobacco, also known as shisha tobacco, often includes black or blonde leaves infused with flavorings and is typically kept moist with honey, molasses, or glycerin. The result is a flavorful smoking experience with options that range from mint and menthol to rich fruity blends.
The Multiverse of Shisha Flavors
Shisha flavors have evolved from simple tobacco leaves to an expansive range of exotic blends. Originally, shisha was mainly about experiencing the essence of high-quality tobacco, a tradition believed to have started with Mughal Emperor Akbar, who enjoyed tobacco cooled and filtered through a water pipe. Today, you can find hundreds of shisha flavor options worldwide, crafted from natural extracts and designed to enhance the smoking experience.
Shisha Smoking vs. Cigarettes
Unlike cigarettes, shisha smoking does not involve burning the tobacco directly. Instead, heated charcoal is placed atop a bowl with flavored tobacco, which uses convection heat to release its aroma and flavor without direct combustion. Here are some key differences between shisha and cigarettes:
- Smoke Temperature: Shisha smoke is cooled by water in the base, providing a gentler, more comfortable draw.
- Filtration: All shisha smoke passes through water, giving it an added level of filtration that is absent in cigarettes.
- Experience: The honey, molasses, and glycerin in hookah tobacco create a smoother, richer taste without the harshness of cigarette smoke.
- Reduced Passive Smoke: Shisha smoke is contained within the water pipe, so there is no unfiltered smoke emitted into the environment.
This combination makes shisha smoking an enjoyable experience that’s smoother, flavorful, and gentler compared to traditional cigarette smoking.
How to Get Started with Shisha Smoking
Starting with shisha is simple. Vadra offers a wide selection of high-quality hookahs and shisha flavors for beginners and enthusiasts alike. To start, choose a hookah that suits your budget and style, select a favorite flavor of shisha tobacco, and gather essentials like natural charcoal and foil. With this setup, you’re ready to embark on a journey of taste and relaxation.
Bring the ambiance of the hookah lounge to your home, experiment with flavors, and discover the enjoyable art of shisha smoking.