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Smoke'n All Over the World: Cape Town, South Africa |
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 Hookahs not only have a home in Africa, but more specifically have roots in the Islamic cultures of the North (ie: Egypt, Somalia, etc.). South Africa, on the other hand, does not have the same familial ties as its northern neighbors. While the streets of South Africa are not lined with hookah bars and Mesopotamian flared eateries, hookahs are still well known and well loved. Previously the Cape Malay, Black, and Indian populations were the primary partakers of the water pipe affectionately referred to as “Hubbly Bubbly;” however, as of recent the pastime has begun to spread to the Caucasian population, specifically via the younger generations.
| Although Mesopotamian restaurants and coffee/tea houses are beginning to sprout like wildflowers in the spring in major cities and college towns like Cape Town, currently there are not a large number of professional entities offering hookahs. Don’t let the lack of hookah serving establishments serve as a reflection of the hookahs popularity and commonality in South Africa. They can be spotted all over the beaches and parks. As of now, a hookah can be enjoyed among Mediterranean food favorites at Mesopotamia, Bakara, or at world renowned Chef Casey Kaisoum’s Caravan Café.  Without the large of Islamic and/or Arab/Middle Eastern population of the other countries analyzed, the blossoming hookah culture in South Africa may come as a surprise. Based on the previous trends of success in harmony between the pastime of hookah and college populations, The University of South Africa (UNISA) and The University of Cape Town, make the country and the city, the perfect candidate for the growth of the industry. | |
