Shisha, a Qatar tradition, but what is it exactly?

The existence of shisha bars is as old as Qatar itself. A traditional Middle Eastern pastime has often been a “must-do” for anyone visiting our shores. However, what exactly is shisha?

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a tourist passing through, chances are you’ve seen the locals socializing over shisha at Souq Waqif or perhaps walked past a restaurant window and seen a Hookah at the table while customers enjoy their food. Don’t be alarmed, it’s simply one of the charms of Qatar.

The social element of partaking in a shisha session is what has become the appeal. Health experts of course, will advise against regular participation, but a once off tasting for tourists is where the real experience comes in.

The process of smoking shisha is through the use of a water pipe called a Hookah. The flavored tobacco is heated by coals and then purified and cooled through the water as it reaches the end of the pipe from where it is sucked.

With a range of flavors from apple, mint and even grape, the tobacco comes in variety of options in order satisfy any curiosity.

The cost of shisha ranges from about 30 riyal upwards, depending on the location of the bar, and of course the type of tobacco used.

Also popular amongst tourists, is taking a memento home in the form of a replica hookah in an array of sizes for display in their homes. Few tourists ever use it again, and it simply serves as a reminder of an authentic Middle Eastern experience. 

What have your shisha experiences been in Qatar? Let us know in the comments.

Photo courtesy of Omar Chatriwala