About Bassem Chahine

Entrepreneur, Innovator & Hookah Industry Trailblazer

Bassem Chahine is a respected entrepreneur and creative force in the global hookah industry, known for his pioneering contributions and passion for premium tobacco products.

Born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to a Lebanese family, Bassem moved to the United States at 16, bringing with him a deep appreciation for Middle Eastern tobacco culture. His journey in the industry began in 2006 when he opened his first hookah lounge in Lawrence, Kansas. That single lounge soon expanded into a network of popular hookah lounges across the Midwest, each focused on delivering a high-quality, authentic smoking experience.

Later that same year, Bassem launched Medwakh.com, introducing U.S. consumers to a curated range of Middle Eastern tobacco products. From this platform, he built a family of brands that would become staples in the market:

• Nirvana Super Shisha – A groundbreaking fusion of traditional shisha and dokha for a bold, intensified experience
• Eclipse – A dark-leaf tobacco line known for its rich flavor profiles and powerful buzz
• Othmani – A tribute to traditional Turkish-style tobacco, crafted with authenticity in mind

Bassem’s unique ability to spot market trends and his relentless commitment to product innovation helped solidify his reputation as a leader in the industry. Beyond building his own brands, he has consulted with several companies, helping them optimize their business operations, improve product lines, and grow their presence in competitive markets.

Today, Bassem continues to champion innovation and quality in the hookah world, contributing his expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to support the growth and global presence of Social Smoke.