At Babelon, it's the tales of virtually active walls with sculptures and shimmering hookahs that weave the magic

There are various names for this sophisticated style of smoking. Call it hookah, narghile, hubble-bubble water pipeu00a0-- this old tradition has enthralled many modern hearts.



Today, from Paris to LA, New York to Africa, Iran to India hookah lounges are a rage. Naturally, New Friends Colony can't be far behind. For residents zipping in and around the city in search of hookah, the newly opened restaurant Babelon, promises to be just the right place where you can relax, dig into delicious fare and soak in some fruit-flavoured hookahs.

Owners Manu Seth and Sunny Singh Kanwar decided to venture after they saw the need in the market for a sophisticated place for couples to chill out with the hookah, good food and the right ambience.

Settle for sheeshas
You will have to climb the narrow lift to reach Babelon, which is a double-storey joint with fine dining for the families and basement for sheesha lovers. As we went down the stairs (watch your step as they are a bit risky), we loosened up on the low sitting which was surrounded by candles floating in water. The roshandaan with hookahs placed on it, dim colourful lighting, wooden flooring are contemporary and clean, lending the place a minimal, mesmeric charm.

The city's hookah lovers will find choices at this joint. Apart from staid flavours like green apple, orange, cherry and mint, the joint stocks a few exotic and eccentric options like blueberry and pan masala. We tried the mixed variety hookah: a smooth blend of apple, mint, orange and grapes and liked it. Their liquor license is yet tou00a0 arrive so it's a disappointing on that front if you are looking for something alcoholic to drink.