What is hookah and how does it work?

Hookah, also called shisha or water pipe, is a device for smoking flavored tobacco. It works by heating shisha (flavored tobacco mixed with molasses or honey) using charcoal. The smoke passes through water in the base, which cools and filters it before being inhaled through a hose. The water creates the distinctive bubbling sound and provides a smoother smoking experience.

What are the most popular hookah flavors?

The most popular hookah flavors include: Double Apple (a classic with anise/licorice notes), Mint (refreshing and often mixed with other flavors), Grape, Watermelon, Blueberry, Lemon-Mint, and Passion Fruit. Many lounges also offer signature blends that combine multiple flavors. At Carnys, our top flavors include Encino Sunset (orange, passion fruit, peach), Midnight Jazz (grape, mint, spices), and Mediterranean Breeze (lemon, mint, rose).

Is hookah safer than cigarettes?

Hookah smoke contains nicotine and other chemicals similar to cigarettes. While the water filters some particles, it does not eliminate health risks. A typical 45-60 minute hookah session can involve more smoke inhalation than a single cigarette. For those seeking nicotine-free options, many lounges including Carnys offer herbal shisha made from tea leaves, sugar cane, or fruit fibers.

What should first-time hookah smokers expect?

First-timers should expect a social, relaxed experience lasting 45-60 minutes. The staff will set up everything and explain how to draw from the hose. Start with gentle, short draws rather than deep inhales. Some people feel lightheaded initially, which is normal - take breaks, stay hydrated, and eat beforehand. Choose a mild flavor like mint or a sweet fruit blend for your first session.

What is hookah etiquette at a lounge?

Basic hookah etiquette includes: Pass the hose with the tip facing yourself (not at others), don't blow smoke in people's faces, place the hose down when not in use rather than passing if no one wants it, don't light cigarettes from the hookah coals, and tip your server for good service. At premium lounges, the staff handles all maintenance - just signal if you need assistance.

How much does hookah cost at a lounge?

Hookah prices vary by location and quality. At premium lounges like Carnys in Encino, expect to pay $25-45 for a hookah session, which includes the setup, shisha, and charcoal for 45-60 minutes. Signature blends and upgrades like fruit bowls or ice hoses may cost extra. Many lounges offer specials during off-peak hours. The price is typically per hookah, which can be shared among 2-4 people.

Can you smoke hookah without nicotine?

Yes! Nicotine-free hookah options exist called herbal shisha. These are made from tea leaves, sugar cane, fruit fibers, or other plant materials soaked in honey and flavorings. They provide a similar smoking experience without nicotine or tobacco. At Carnys, we offer a full herbal menu including Herbal Double Apple, Herbal Mint, and our Premium Herbal Blend.

What age do you need to be to smoke hookah?

In California and most US states, you must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume tobacco products, including hookah. Hookah lounges require valid government-issued ID proving you are of legal age. This applies to both traditional tobacco shisha and nicotine-free herbal alternatives when consumed at tobacco establishments.

Comprehensive Guide

The Complete Guide to Hookah

Everything you need to know about hookah: how it works, popular flavors, proper etiquette, and what to expect at a premium lounge like Carnys in Encino.

Premium hookah setup at Carnys lounge in Encino - brass hookah with velvet seating

What is Hookah?

Hookah, also known as shisha, narghile, or water pipe, is a traditional smoking device that has been part of Middle Eastern and South Asian culture for over 500 years. Unlike cigarettes, hookah uses flavored tobacco (called shisha) that is heated by charcoal and filtered through water before inhalation.

The hookah consists of several key components: a bowl that holds the shisha, charcoal that heats it, a stem that carries smoke down, a water base for filtration and cooling, and one or more hoses for drawing smoke.

Modern hookah lounges like Carnys have elevated the experience into a social ritual - combining premium tobacco, craft cocktails, Mediterranean cuisine, and ambient atmosphere for a sophisticated evening out.

Heat

Charcoal heats the shisha tobacco

Smoke

Vapor travels down the stem

Filter

Water cools and filters smoke

Enjoy

Draw through hose to inhale

How to Smoke Hookah: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're at a lounge or setting up at home, here's what to expect:

Choose Your Flavor

Select a shisha flavor based on your preference. Popular choices include Double Apple (anise-like), Mint (refreshing), Grape, and fruit blends. First-timers often enjoy sweeter, fruity flavors.

Ask your server for recommendations based on your taste preferences.

Wait for Preparation

At a lounge like Carnys, staff will prepare your hookah. This includes filling the base with water, packing the bowl with shisha, covering with foil, and lighting natural coconut charcoal.

Quality lounges use natural coconut charcoal - it burns cleaner and longer.

Take Gentle Draws

When the hookah is ready, take slow, gentle draws through the hose. Unlike cigarettes, you don't need to inhale deeply. Let the smoke fill your mouth and exhale smoothly.

If you're new, start with short draws. You'll hear bubbling from the water base.

Pace Yourself

Take breaks between draws. Hookah sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour. Enjoy the social aspect, sip drinks, and relax rather than chain-smoking.

Stay hydrated! Order water or tea alongside your hookah.

Signal the Staff

If the smoke becomes harsh or thin, signal your server. They'll rotate the charcoal or add fresh coals. At quality lounges, staff regularly check on your session.

Don't touch the charcoal yourself - it's extremely hot (400°F+).

Popular Hookah Flavors

From classic Middle Eastern blends to modern fruit combinations, there's a flavor for everyone.

Fruity & Sweet

Perfect for beginners - smooth, approachable flavors

MangoWatermelonGrapeBlueberryPassion FruitGuava

Best for first-timers

Refreshing & Cool

Mint-based flavors that provide a cooling sensation

MintLemon-MintSpearmintIce MintMenthol

Great for mixing

Classic & Traditional

Time-honored Middle Eastern favorites

Double AppleGrape-MintRoseJasmineTurkish Coffee

For the authentic experience

Signature Blends

House-crafted combinations unique to each lounge

Encino SunsetMidnight JazzGolden HourMediterranean Breeze

Ask your server for recommendations

Hookah Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

Follow these simple guidelines to enjoy your session and show respect at any lounge.

Pass the hose with tip facing yourself

Point the hose tip at others

Place hose down when not using

Leave hose hanging or dangling

Signal staff for charcoal or adjustments

Touch the charcoal yourself

Share respectfully in group sessions

Monopolize the hose

Tip for good service (15-20%)

Light cigarettes from hookah coals

Health Considerations

Important Information

Hookah smoke contains nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other chemicals. While water filtration cools the smoke, it does not eliminate health risks. A typical 45-60 minute session can expose you to more smoke than a single cigarette.

Nicotine-Free Alternatives

Herbal shisha (made from tea leaves, sugar cane, or fruit fibers) provides a similar experience without nicotine or tobacco. At Carnys, we offer a full herbal menu for health-conscious guests.

Tips for Safer Enjoyment

• Eat before your session to reduce lightheadedness
• Stay hydrated - drink water or non-alcoholic beverages
• Take breaks between draws
• Limit frequency of sessions
• Choose quality lounges that use natural charcoal

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything else you might want to know about hookah.

Ready to Experience Premium Hookah?

Visit Carnys in Encino for an elevated hookah experience. Our expert staff will guide you through our premium selection of traditional and signature blends.

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16101 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA • Open Daily 10AM - 2AM

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