Shisha*, also known as hookah, narghile, or waterpipe, is a device that originated from the Middle Eastern countries and has since spread worldwide. It’s designed for smoking or vaporizing purposes, with the main component being flavored tobacco, often referred to as ‘shisha’.
The word “shisha” can refer to both the device and the substance consumed. The apparatus consists of several key components:
- Bowl: This is where the flavored tobacco is placed.
- Ashtray: Positioned beneath the bowl, it catches any falling ash or embers.
- Pipe Stem: This connects the bowl to the base and allows the smoke to flow down into the water.
- Base: Often made of glass, this is filled with water which cools and filters the smoke before it’s inhaled.
- Hose: Attached to a port in the stem, it provides a channel through which the cooled smoke is drawn and inhaled.
Flavored tobacco used in shisha is a mixture of tobacco leaf, molasses or honey, and fruits or flavorings. Popular flavors include apple, grape, mint, and a variety of other fruits and herbs.
*Sometimes you can find that “shisha” refers to the flavored tobacco mixture smoked in a hookah. Shisha combines tobacco with molasses, honey, and various flavorings, ranging from fruity to minty, providing a sweet and aromatic smoking experience.