Al Fakher is the world's most popular shisha tobacco brand, and for good reason. Made in the UAE, it offers consistent quality, a massive flavour range, and a price point that makes it accessible to everyone from beginners to daily smokers. But with dozens of flavours available, how do you know which ones are actually worth buying?
We smoked through every commonly available Al Fakher flavour in the UK and ranked them honestly.
What Makes Al Fakher Good?
- Consistency: Every pack tastes the same. Whether you buy it in London or Leeds, the quality is uniform.
- Moisture level: Al Fakher has the right amount of juice — not too dry, not swimming in molasses.
- Cloud output: Good smoke production without being overwhelming. Suitable for both beginners and experienced smokers.
- Price: £4–£7 per 50g pack makes it one of the most affordable quality tobaccos on the market.
- Availability: Stocked in almost every shisha shop, corner shop, and online retailer in the UK.
Top-Tier Flavours
Double Apple
The most iconic shisha flavour in the world. A blend of anise and apple that tastes nothing like actual apples — it is sweet, herbal, and intensely aromatic. You either love it or hate it, but it is unquestionably the classic.
Grape with Mint
Sweet grape flavour lifted by a cool mint finish. This is one of the most balanced Al Fakher flavours — not too sweet, not too minty. Excellent for long sessions.
Watermelon with Mint
Fresh and summery. The watermelon is realistic without being artificial, and the mint keeps it from becoming too sweet. One of our top picks for warm weather.
Blueberry with Mint
A darker, slightly tart berry flavour with a cooling finish. More complex than the other fruit-mint combinations and stands up well over a full session.
Solid Mid-Tier Flavours
Two Apples (Without Mint)
The non-mint version of Double Apple. Slightly sweeter and less aromatic. Good if you find the original too intense.
Peach
A smooth, mellow flavour that is easy to smoke but not particularly exciting. Good for beginners who want something inoffensive.
Lemon with Mint
Tangy and refreshing. Slightly more acidic than other citrus flavours. Works well as a mixer with grape or berry flavours.
Strawberry
A mild, sweet strawberry that is pleasant but fades faster than other flavours. Best for shorter sessions or mixing.
Skip These
Cappuccino
Smells like coffee but tastes like burnt caramel. The flavour does not translate well to smoke and becomes unpleasant after 20 minutes.
Cola
An ambitious attempt at replicating cola flavour. The result is overly sweet with an artificial aftertaste. Interesting for one puff, tedious for a full session.
Gum (Chewing Gum)
Tastes like bubblegum-scented soap. One of the few Al Fakher flavours that is genuinely unpleasant.
Packing Tips for Al Fakher
Al Fakher is a blonde leaf tobacco that works best with a fluffy pack in a phunnel bowl. Do not overpack — sprinkle it loosely just below the rim, leaving a gap between the tobacco and the heat source. Two or three coconut coals with an HMD at medium heat produces the best results.
See our top 15 shisha flavours ranked for the full list.
FAQ
Is Al Fakher good for beginners?
It is arguably the best brand for beginners. Easy to pack, forgiving of heat management mistakes, and affordable enough to experiment with different flavours.
How does Al Fakher compare to premium brands?
Al Fakher offers 80% of the flavour of premium brands like Tangiers or Fumari at half the price. The trade-off is slightly shorter session length and less complex flavour profiles.
What is the best Al Fakher flavour for mixing?
Mint is the best mixer — it complements virtually any fruit flavour. Lemon with Mint also works well as a base for custom blends.
