(Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Semazen-Bufe/127941157283460) – Sultanahmet neighborhood, Istanbul, Turkey 

How I heard of this place: After taking us through the Topkapi Palace, our new friend, Eyup, recommended we go to Semazen Bufe for the best Doner in the area.  

Type of cuisine:  Doner done right. The way you like it.

Ambiance: I think doner is meant to be eaten on the go, or quickly, as a snack. The reason being: most doner shops are simply store-front spaces where the order and food-preparation counter lead out into the square for patrons ordering their favorites. This space was no different. The bright red stand in Taksim easily attracts attention, and were it not for the recommendation of our new friends, I think I may have strayed from this overly-touristified corner stand. Two skewers of doner meat rotated on their axes, one with chicken, the othermeat. The bright red menu showed pictures of the limited options available to patrons, the only difference being the type of bread upon which your kebab is served. The smiling chef creates each doner speciality as customer after customer delightedly walks away with his hot sandwich. This particular establishment, unlike some, does have extensive seating, though, at first it doesn’t seem so. A small staircase leads up to a red-tiled wall, which allows for customers to enjoy their meals in the establishment. Seating is also available on the sidewalk corner outside, as pedestrians gaze and gawk over the tastes they are missing.

What I ordered: I asked our chef which was his favorite and he recommended the Durum Et Doner (8TL) and we asked for two.

What I loved: I love the thin gozleme bread used to wrap the thin, roasted slices of meat against just-made French fries, and topped with cooling shreds of lettuce and tomato.

Why I loved it: Simple and easy. The perfect snack when you’re on the go.

Cost: Low (3-7TL per doner)