Shisha in Oman | ExpatWoman.com
 

Shisha in Oman

Smoking Shisha is a popular activity in the Middle East for people enjoy whilst relaxing with company.

Posted on

18 July 2013

Last updated on 14 June 2017
Shisha in Oman

Smoking the traditional shisha (water pipe) is a popular and relaxing pastime enjoyed throughout the Middle East. It is usually savoured in a local cafe while chatting with friends and drinking sweet moroccan tea or a nice and refreshing lemon mint.
 

Shisha

 

They are also known as hookah pipes or hubbly bubbly, but the proper name is nargile. Shisha pipes can be smoked with a variety of aromatic flavours, such as strawberry, grape or apple, and the experience is unlike normal cigarette or cigar smoking. If you feel adventorous you can mix the flavours of your Shisha. Mint is a popular flavour to mix, especially by the ladies, as it is smoother and easier to smoke. The smoke is also ‘smoothed’ by the water, thus it is not as harsh to smoke. 

Smoking Shisha is one of those things that should be tried at least once while you are in Oman. You can buy your very own shisha pipe from the souks, and once you get to grips with putting it all together you can enjoy the unique flavour anytime you want. An Arabic shisha is a beautiful souvenir and a fascinating ornament for the home, even if you choose never to smoke it. It also makes a superb gift from the gulf for friends and family back home and because the shisha has become an international item buying the molasses tabacco and coals for it is accessible in almost every country.

Shisha is usually enjoyed at arabic restaurants and cafes with a fresh juice or a traditional coffee or tea. It can be smoked for hours during conversation amongst friends. There is usually a man who will take care of the coals on your pipe, if you need more coals the Arabic word to use is "Faham". It is a nice gesture to learn a few arabic phrases and use them as the people that struggle with English will appreciate your effort to learn a bit of their language.