Café Blanc – Beirut
Modern and comfortable, and half way between oriental and western, Café Blanc seems to fuse these two worlds with ease. Located in ABC Achrafieh where the contemporary architecture of the centre further compliments the feel of this café, you can just about sit back, savour the aroma of the fruity tobacco, but not forget to take a look around to enjoy the relaxing interior. Surrounded by trees, giving this café a sense of seclusion, and with both indoor and outdoor areas, you can choose the area that suits you best.
Bubbles – Jeddah
The entrance is a world unto its own, where you find the exotic aromas of the Middle Eastern invention of shisha meeting you at the door. Lead into a vast seating area which accommodates many, you are struck by this café and restaurant’s modernity. You almost forget that an Arabian desert is just the opening of a door away. Its menu is extensive, with food from sushi to a typical American burger to choose from. However, one factor remains constant – the smooth shisha, made only of the best molasses-glazed tobacco.
Chi-Cha Lounge – Washington DC
If you ever find yourself in the American capital, make sure to find your way to Chi-Cha Lounge, where you will find yourself taken by the Latin feel that confidently oozes from within. Built to represent a Spanish hacienda, Latin jazz surges through the lounge as you sit back and enjoy your shisha. Yes, although it may appear out of place in this Latin haven, the owner fell in love with the hubbly bubbly when he was vacationing in the Middle East, and decided to adopt it.
Medina Lounge – Hong Kong
Half a world away, depending on where you are, lies Medina Lounge in Hong Kong. If you are looking to escape the bustling of city life, Medina Lounge is the place to visit. With a North African feel and soft oriental beats in the background to keep you company, while away your time with some good old fashioned shisha. Hoing Kong may be known for its high rises building and modern urban lifestyle but the Medina Lounge brings a breath of aromatically flavoured air to the city.
Al Khayma Café – Dubai
Located on Dubai’s sea front, it is hard not to be taken aback by the semi-panoramic view that this café offers. The almost endless vista requires much time to savour while you inhale your flavoured tobacco of choice. Al Khayma creates the true feel of the Middle East, with the traditional red Arabian cushion-seating, and accompanying Arabian melodies playing in the background. It is open till 3 a.m. daily, so you can sit beneath the starlit skies for as long as you please.
Marrakesh Lounge and Bar - Marrakesh
Situated in the heart of one of many lively streets, this is Morocco at its best. There is a chic atmosphere, with typical Moroccan furniture and unusual antiques adorning the café. Lavish sofas and colourful Ottomans create a comfortable seating arrangement in which to relax. Groovy jazz fills even those silent moments, when conversation dies down. The Arabian feel is added to by the lavish cuisine and of course, the famed hubbly bubbly.
Sequoia – Cairo
Located at the tip of Zamalek, overlooking the River Nile, Sequoia is usually jam-packed and requires a reservation. The Andrea Hookah Café, which is one part of Sequoia, serves more than fifty kinds of tobacco flavours. While actually being outdoors the whole area is covered by tents and the general ambience is reminiscent of Nikki Beach while the food and shisha are unquestionably Middle Eastern. This is a place that is definitely worth visiting during your next trip to Cairo.
Casa Blu – Bahrain
Casa Blu is a relatively new addition to Manama’s burgeoning café scene. Located in Adliya, it is a luxuriously appointed royal blue lounge boasting a wide range of snacks and drinks set in a Byzantine atmosphere. You can sit back in the red velour furniture and enjoy the many live Arabic music performances or just indulge yourself with one of the highly regarded shisha offerings. We recommend the Moroccan tea that goes very well with the sharmam shisha.
