01/08/2012
First Review: Sahara Mezz Bar
Freshly brewed mint tea at Sahara Mezz Bar
Which better venue to be reviewed first than the signature location of the man responsible for pioneering the concept of a quality sh**ha experience in Hong Kong. Since its opening in 2005, Sahara, run by Dody Wakim, has consistently delivered on that concept. Notwithstanding competition from at least 20 other venues in Hong Kong, Sahara has always been the go-to spot for a consistently good sh**ha experience. The day of this review was no different.
Even on a Monday evening, Sahara was comfortably populated with diners, drinkers and smokers. The crowd here is one of the most varied you will see in Hong Kong, but two groups visibly missing from the regular visitors are the teenage party-goers and the suit army. The exceptions contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of the venue, which is immediately exciting but restful enough to engage in conversation with friends.
The sh**ha came within about 15 minutes of order – falling within an acceptable waiting time considering how busy the venue was. The double apple flavoured pipe tasted…expectedly…like double apple! The use of real coals at this venue makes it within the upper echelon of a group of remaining sh**ha lounges that do use this coal (as opposed to the unhealthier quick-light variety). The well-trained staff regularly come to check up on your sh**ha session and replace the pipe’s coal with little or no prompt to do so. Don’t have this done more than twice though as the flavor starts to burn away and the remaining ash is not the most tasty thing to be sucking on. Expect your session to last for around 45 minutes. Since its start in 2005, the price for sh**ha has been and remains a modest $120.
Without exception, Dody’s staff are all well trained and orders almost never need to be repeated or re-requested. The countless regulars at this venue enjoy the almost homey feeling that comes with the regular greetings and farewells from the owner and his brother Hero who also manages the venue.
Drinks at this venue are strong so ask for them to be on the light-side if you don’t hold your alcohol too well. I’ve never tried the non-alcoholic cocktails but I can vouch for a solid cup of freshly brewed mint tea ($50).
All in all, a great experience for a first review for UpInSmoke HK.
The Essentials
Atmosphere: Loungey but alive
Sh**ha: Consistently good
Price: $120
Crowd: Varied, largely expatriate, no teens or suits
Reason to go back: Consistency + Most competent service in town
Address: 11, Elgin Street, Central