I’d like to believe that I’m a great hookah aficionado. There’s really nothing I enjoy more on an evening out or while having an afternoon conversation with colleagues and friends over some cocktails than what the rest of the world calls shisha. 

When I was living in Thailand, there were only two places in Bangkok where I could indulge in a night of hookah and some hip-hop music. Because of laws that were passed by the government, those places closed by midnight and they were always packed. So, after almost a year of going “cold turkey” on hookah, my trip to Malaysia was an even more extreme culture shock than I expected. Shisha was literally everywhere. Here are a few places to check out when you’re in Kuala Lumpur.

1. Canopy Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Not only did Canopy have shisha, but the food and cocktails were great as well. Rarely anywhere in the world can you get a good trifecta of good food, good drinks, and good hookah.

2. Arabic Shisha Lounge

This spot has similar vibes to New York City’s Sahara East. Kuala Lumpur’s Arabic Shisha Lounge has cozy seating for large groups and serves delicious Syrian-inspired bites.

3. Mantra Rooftop Bar & Lounge

If you’re looking for a 5-star rooftop shisha experience, Mantra Rooftop Bar has it all. With an amazing view of the city of Kuala Lumpur and very plush, modern, snazzy decor, you’ll easily spend hours chatting with friends and snacking on some of their amazing dishes.

4. Wet Deck at The W Hotel Kuala Lumpur

 

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The W Hotel is known for its 5-star status all over the globe. In Kuala Lumpur, their rooftop pool and bar has one of the best views of the Petronas Towers in all of Kuala Lumpur. Six nights a week expect to hear great music, smoke some quality shisha, and enjoy some signature cocktails to the backdrop of neon lights for the most Instagrammable experience among tourists and locals.

Related: Harlem Hookah: New York City’s Only Black-Owned And Woman-Owned Hookah Bar

Hookah, Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia, Shisha