DREAM HOOKAHRussian hookah vs regular: what the $5 gets you.
There is a section on our menu called Russian, and it costs a little more. Here is the straight answer on what that means and whether it is worth it.
What "Russian" means on a hookah menu
You will see the word used in two different ways, which is where the confusion comes from.
- A Russian-style hookah — the device itself. Modern hookahs from the Russian market are known for clean, engineered builds. When hookah enthusiasts online say "Russian hookah", this is often what they mean.
- Russian flavours — the shisha in the bowl. The Russian hookah scene has its own style of flavour: often dessert-like, creamy or unusual, and different from the classic fruit-and-mint range most people know.
On our menu, "Russian" means the second one: a section of Russian flavours you can have in your bowl for a little extra.
The nine Russian flavours
| Creamy and dessert | Fruit and citrus | Fresh |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream Vanilla Cream Candy Cow Lemon Pie |
Banana Mama Mandarin Sea Buckthorn Paradise |
Cane Mint |
A few of these do not exist anywhere in the regular range. Sea Buckthorn is a tart orange berry that is common in Russia and rare here; if you like sharp, slightly sour fruit, it is the one to try. Candy Cow and Lemon Pie taste the way they sound.
What it costs
Russian flavours add $5 per bowl, once. Mix one Russian flavour or three, it is still $5.
| House flavours | Russian flavours | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular hookah | $20 | $25 |
| Dream Wookah | $35 | $40 |
| Refill | $15 | $20 |
You can mix up to three single flavours in one bowl. So a bowl of Ice Cream, Banana Mama and Vanilla Cream on a regular hookah is $25, not $35. The full price list is here.
Is it worth the extra $5?
Yes, if you have worked through the usual fruit-and-mint flavours and want something that tastes different: creamy, dessert-like, or a fruit you have not had before. It is also a good choice for a table that shares one bowl, because the $5 is split across everyone.
Maybe not, if it is your first time. Our fourteen numbered house mixes are included in the price and were built for exactly that visit. Start there, find what you like, and try the Russian section next time. There is a guide to picking a flavour here, and one on paan, the other flavour people ask about.
A good rule: if a flavour name makes you curious, that is the one to spend the $5 on.
Three Russian bowls to try
- Ice Cream + Mandarin — creamy and bright, like an orange float.
- Banana Mama + Vanilla Cream — sweet and smooth, for dessert people.
- Sea Buckthorn + Cane Mint — tart and cool, for people who find most flavours too sweet.
These are suggestions, not house mixes. Tell us what you are in the mood for and we will help you build it.
How to order
Ask for a Russian bowl at the counter, or pick from the Russian section when you order from your phone at the table. You can browse the menu before you come. Dream Hookah Lounge is at 37381 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, open 4 PM to 1 AM Monday to Thursday and 2 PM to 2 AM Friday to Sunday. 21+, ID checked at the door, no cover.
Come and try it
Build your hookah from your phone, or reserve a booth for the table. 21+ with valid ID.