Hubbly bubbly is a water pipe, usually glass-based, that is used for smoking. It operates through the method of water filtration and an indirect process of heating.
How is a Hubbly Bubbly used?
There is a bowl on top of the main apparatus in a hubbly bubbly. Inside this bowl, molasses or tobacco is placed. Fruit flavorings, peanut butter, honey, mint etc. are some of the other flavorings that might be added to the tobacco/molasses.
A pipe connects this apparatus to the water-filled base. Then, perforated material like kitchen foil is used to cover this bowl. On top of this foil, burning charcoal is placed.
The process used to consume hubbly bubbly is pretty much simple. When it is inhaled, the material is directly pulled from the charcoal tobacco. And then it flows through the water down the pipe. And finally when the smoke cooled then it is sent through the hose to inhale. Hubbly Bubbly is used in a few specific tours like VIP desert safari and afternoon desert safari.
Although the Hubby Bubbly may look pretty much small, however, there are several small processes. In some hubbly bubblies, there is a choke attached that kinds of controls the amount of smoke that is being inhaled. Instead of charcoal burners, electric burners might also be used. The smoke comes out quicker through the electric burners.
History of the Hubbly Bubbly
The credit for inventing the hubbly bubbly goes to a Persian, Abul-Fath Gilani. He was the physician of the Mughal emperor Akbar, in Fatehpur Sikri. It underwent some modifications to emerge in its current shape in Persia, where it had spread from Mughal India. From there, it spread to the Near East countries and gradually, Africa.
The initial users of hubbly bubbly were the nobility. But very soon, its usage spread among the masses. The masses used unflavored tobacco leaves as it was more affordable. This practice continues in rural South Asia to this day.
In British India, the spread of the hubbly bubbly was rapid as many expatriate Britons took to this habit like fish takes to water.
Hubbly Bubbly usage today
Today, the hubbly bubbly has undergone several changes & transformations and is smoked across the world – both in cities & villages. Many chic cafes in cities across Europe & Asia offer hubbly bubblies to primarily young people. These are laced with exotic flavors. In rural South Asia & the Arab world, it’s still smoked in its traditional avatar.
Synonyms for hubbly bubbly
In UAE, it is commonly known as Hubbly Bubbly, whereas in India, it is referred to as the “hookah” or “hukka.” “Arjila” is the name given to hubbly bubbly in parts of the Middle East & Central Asia. “Nargilah” is the name given to it in Israel & parts of central & Eastern Europe. It’s known as “shisha” in parts of Europe & in cities in India.
