Berto Cafe – Amman, Jordan This is one of those places that just doesn't seem like an ideal shisha cafe. Located on an unassuming street in the Jordanian capital, a few roads from a grouping of 5-star hotels, Berto somehow does the trick. Last time we were in Jordan, this quickly became our early afternoon stop. The shisha is smooth, the staff get the job done bringing coals on time and the puffing goes on and on. One shisha was easily over two hours and still not getting the coal flavor. Not bad. There are a few places in Beirut that come close to Berto, but across the region, this is one of the best places to puff, if not the best. Berto Cafe Um Uthainah, Amman, Jordan 11118_17503 Boba Bear – Koreatown, Los Angeles There's something about walking into a place and not having to order. After a few month's time, there was a special named after me (hopefully they put it on the menu): peach shisha and a hazelnut milk (soymilk) tea. This place may appear simple and ordinary at first glance, but in a city where shisha (hookah) is overpriced across the board, Boba Bear offers a decent price for the first puff, but if you order a second, it's less than one-third the price. The staff is extremely pleasant, helpful and even they get to enjoy some puffing throughout the day. If you happen to be in LA and need a little Arabness with a Korean boba, then this is certainly an ideal choice and should be sought out. Go in and ask for the “Joey special” and see if they remember. Good times. Boba Bear 414 S Western Ave Ste C Los Angeles, CA 90020 Sequoia – Cairo, Egypt Surprisingly, Cairo has a lot of shisha to offer, but few are up to the international greatness of others. While Sequoia's shisha can often be hit or miss, the overall on the Nile atmosphere makes up for any shortcomings that could arise from the puffing experience. Right along the edge of the Nile, this place is a great opportunity to relax after a long day, grab some on tap beer or a bottle of wine and enjoy yourself right at the river's edge. I wouldn't say the shisha is spectacular, although it can be, but the overall make-up that is Sequoia puts it at a must for any traveler seeking to enjoy their shisha in the Egyptian capital. Sequoia 53, Abou El Feda St., Zamalek, Cairo 11211, Egypt, End of Abu El Feda St. Zamalek Soussi – Washington DC A great location and some great shisha. Surprisingly, the US capital offers a number of shisha joints, but none are better than Soussi, a small Moroccan lounge and restaurant in Adams Morgan. Perfect for gathering a group of friends, this place delivers on atmosphere and the overall puff experience. It might be a tad pricey for an everyday experience, but it certainly won't disappoint. And it's great if you have non-smokers in your group. Relax outside, a stone's throw from DC's main nightlife scene, Soussi is a perfect combination of Americanness and Moroccan style. The staff is pleasant and is readily on call for any needs. The shisha will go for well over an hour and they don't mind some sharing. Soussi 2228 18th St NW (between N California St & N Kalorama Rd) Washington, DC 20009 Neighborhood: Adams Morgan Inside Camden Market – Camden, London, England Inside Camden Market's main tent – go out the underground, up a block and inside to your left at the first large tent – is a hidden gem. This is where a couple of Moroccan guys have set up shop, and it couldn't get any better. Enjoy some Moroccan mint tea and a little shisha in between shopping for your favorite vintage items and there will be no disappointment whatsoever. This is a great place and despite its lack of overall atmosphere, the shisha is excellent – one of the best in London – and will help get those nerves calming from a day of shopping. Stop by, find it and enjoy. BM
