First things first: Kids, smoking isn’t good for you. But if you’re down for a good time (and not a long time), we ain’t gonna judge either. You Only Live Once – here are the best shisha bars and hookah lounges in Hong Kong.
Many would agree that Hong Kong is notoriously stressful to live in. While some people prefer to sweat it out at the gym, or practise mindful meditation for some inner peace, others might opt for activities that are a little more… indulgent. Admittedly, smoking shisha isn’t good for our health. But in case you’d like to blow off some steam, we’re happy to give you some cheeky recommendations, too. So, here are our favourite hookah lounges and shisha bars in Hong Kong.
Best shisha bars in Hong Kong
1. HYC Bar & Lounge
If you’re a fan of gin or shisha (or both), don’t miss out on the deluxe experience at HYC. With a great selection of spirits and gin-spired cocktails, you’re bound to find your favourite tonics and other creative concoctions. As for the shisha, HYC has around 20 different flavours, as well as three signatures, including the Tropicana which has an amaretto base. Also, you can indulge yourself in the Krysalis shisha package which includes a table-side demonstration, a complimentary base, and a tobacco refill. Don’t forget to head out onto the terrace for some stunning views of the city!
HYC Bar & Lounge, 22/F, Nathan Hill, 38 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2572 6388
2. Tai Tai Bar
Get mesmerised by neon lights, flower walls, and sinfully delicious cocktails while puffing the perfectly packed shisha at Tai Tai Bar’s outdoor terrace. Close to all the action at Lan Kwai Fong, pass the pipe around between friends, and get immersed in a tantalising Egyptian hookah experience. With special bases like Citrus, Spiced, and Berries & Fruits, Tai Tai Bar also offers a Dark Leaf “extra-strong base” for the shisha enthusiasts amongst us. Complement the night with one of the cheapest beer towers in LKF and don’t forget to finish with a round of Kamikaze shots!
Tai Tai Bar, Unit 1E, Winner Building, 37 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 8197 2772
3. She Says
Who run the world? Girls! She Says is a shisha bar and cafe that has multiple Instagrammable features for the KOLs amongst you. These include chic neon signs, Wonder Woman graffiti, a wall of pink flowers, seasonal cocktails, and more. Furthermore, She Says has some relatively rare offerings, such as the wookah (wooden hookah) and even absinthe. Oh, and if you’re wondering if there’s a He Says, the short answer is: yes. Go check it out!
She Says, 4/F, Soho Tower, 25 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2732 2229
4. Zeng
At Zeng, not only do you get to enjoy fusion plates and creative cocktails, but you’ll also be able to take in a panoramic view of the Kowloon Peninsula once you head out onto the terrace. And what better way to boost this experience than trying Zeng’s luxurious in-house shisha? Using the best ingredients, expert preparation techniques, and an innovative ice hose tip, Zeng aims to deliver the smoothest hookah experience for its guests. Moreover, there is a range of flavours for you to tailor-make your own shisha, or you can opt between the five special mixes. If you’re looking for a fun yet sophisticated shisha bar to hang out at, Zeng will be your best bet.
Zeng, 30/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2353 0053
5. Be Humble
Feeling stuck in Hong Kong? Let your mind escape to the Middle East while taking in the Bohemian interiors and laid-back vibes at Be Humble. This Instagram-worthy Turkish cafe and restaurant serves an array of snacks, desserts, and alcoholic beverages. And of course, on top of that, there’s the shisha. With over 40 flavours and create-your-own mixes to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something you fancy.
Be Humble, 18/F, Mongkok Metro, 594-596 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 6897 7628
6. Shahrazad Lebanese Dining Lounge & Bar
For those in search of somewhere truly authentic with its hookah (and top-tier Lebanese cuisine to go with), look no further than Shahrazad. Offering 30 basic flavours, plus several fresh-fruit shishas, you’ll be whisked away to the Middle Eastern kingdom with just a few puffs. Apart from basking in the stunning deco and taking pics for the ’gram, you might even catch some belly dancers – prepare to be wowed and have your Arabian Night taken up a notch!
Shahrazad Lebanese Dining Lounge & Bar, 2/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2330 0242
7. KLSC (九龍城寨)
Embrace the neon life at KLSC! Channelling the mystery and history of the infamous Kowloon Walled City, the retro Hong Kong atmosphere of this shisha bar is only enhanced by the bar’s smoky aroma. With Cantonese street snacks, funky decor, and even a specialty cocktail served in an oversized Yakult bottle, you’ll find yourself transported back a few decades with each puff of the hookah pipe. If you want to try something new here, test out the Pineapple Head Shisha that swaps out the typical bowl with a pineapple half to have those fresh juices mixing with the tobacco. Don’t forget to snap plenty of pics for your Insta with more than a few obligatory smoke ring pics.
KLSC, 2/F, Tak Sing Alliance Building, 115 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 9220 7922
8. Polar Lounge
With frequent promotions offered for guests, Polar Lounge is an eclectic space for hookah aficionados in Hong Kong. A trendy hideaway with a terrace, this lounge has got an amazing selection of shisha flavours as well as premium equipment. For the discerning smokers amongst you, Polar should be on your to-go list of shisha bars (if you haven’t been already!).
Polar Lounge has locations in Causeway Bay and Central.
9. Sipsip Rooftop
More views, everyone! And this time, it even comes with… Cantonese soup? If you think shisha can’t go well with double-boiled soups, think again, because Sipsip Rooftop has been nailing it. Don’t get us wrong – the soup isn’t the base of the shisha (thank god) – but it is one of the major characteristics of this rooftop bar and restaurant. Designed to be the alternative dining and hookah lounge of Soupday, a popular soup shop in Hong Kong, you can nourish yourself with the hearty soups and Cantonese rice bowls at Sipsip Rooftop.
Sipsip Rooftop, 25/F, Morecrown Commercial Building, 108 Electric Road. Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 5131 7189
10. Ohana Tiki Lounge
Everyone’s family over at Ohana Tiki Lounge! Vibe with the tropical theme high above the streets of Wan Chai. Pick from the list of creative tropical cocktails to get the night started. If you can really handle your liquor, try the Zombie 2.0 which includes three different kinds of rum as well as absinthe. Mix together your favourite shisha flavours from over 20 options to puff on your own concoction all night. Wanna kick things up a notch? Try the Jägerbomb base instead of the traditional ice or fruit bases. Don’t worry if you’re a hookah beginner – the friendly staff is more than happy to give you some suggestions on the popular mixes!
Ohana Tiki Lounge, 29/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2648 0900
11. Vibes
There’s hardly a cooler place to puff on some shisha in Hong Kong than at Vibes – after all, this hidden courtyard terrace is located inside a five-star hotel, complete with lotus-shaped open fires, bamboo groves, and running waterways in the lounge. With over 25 different flavours, you can customise the shisha to your liking with the help of the shisha master. The hookah here at Vibes is served in carved-out fresh fruit for a smoother and more exotic taste, making for a novel smoking experience. With an outdoor area ripe for the ‘gram, you can chill out in style and comfort. And for those who want to up the class and privacy, make sure to reserve a cabana ahead of time.
Vibes, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2315 5599
12. Space X
Not to be confused with SpaceX the tech giant, Space X is a local shisha bar with space-themed interiors and neon signs, which give this hookah lounge its distinctive look. Furthermore, Space X has around a dozen signature cocktails, including some for sharing (echoing the social nature of hookah), and the Space Yakult which is a vodka-based cocktail served in an oversized Yakult container. Most importantly, Space X has around 50 shisha flavours for you to choose from. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, as the friendly team is always down to guide you through its menu.
Space X has locations in Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui.
[This article was originally published in May 2022 and updated in 2023 by Min Ji Park.]
