If you're new to smoking hookah, you might be wondering how to prepare the shisha. It's actually pretty simple - all you need to do is remove the hookah flavor from the packaging and mix it with a fork in a small dish. This helps to spread the tobacco juices and ensure even heat distribution when you smoke. Just make sure to fluff up the shisha so it's nice and light before you put it in your bowl.
Now that you've got your clay hookah bowl and tobacco, it's time to get started! Gently grab around 15-20 grams of tobacco and position it in a mountain formation in the bowl.
Once you've packed your bowl with tobacco, it's time to even out the surface. This will help to ensure that the tobacco burns evenly, producing consistent flavor and lots of smoke. To do this, simply take a toothpick and lightly press down on the tobacco. You want to make sure that the tobacco is level with the rim of the bowl, or just slightly below it. Once you've got the right level, give the tobacco a light tamp to compact it slightly. This will help to keep everything in place during the smoking process.
One important thing to remember is that it's important to poke down the shisha directly in the center, using a toothpick. This will help to create a hole in the center of the tobacco, which will allow better airflow. Additionally, make sure that your shisha has an even density throughout the bowl - if it's too dense, you won't be able to get enough airflow, and your tobacco won't cook evenly.
Take foil and pull it out about four to five inches, then rip it off, keeping the whole sheet intact. Next, fold that piece in half. This is known as the double-layer foil. It is important to keep the foil as clean and wrinkle-free as possible. Once the foil is ready, poke small holes in it with a fork or toothpick. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced out and not too big; otherwise, the tobacco will fall through. Finally, place the foil over the bowl and gently press down so that it's snug against the sides. If done correctly, this will create an airtight seal that will help the tobacco heat evenly.
Now that your hookah bowl is all set up, it's time to get the coals going. If you've never heated up coals for hookah before, don't worry - it's easy! There are a way to do it.