Global Posts

Madrid has a long and rich culinary history that resonates with the cultures of many other countries. The culinary culture that Spain obtained was influenced by the centuries of knowledge gained from colonized and defeated countries that fell under Spanish rule. 

One of the most culturally important and tasty ingredients in Madrid and Spanish cuisine is the chickpea, which didn’t even originate in Spain. Spain happened to learn of the chickpea way back in the 8^th century due to the Spanish Reconquista. Spain as a result of the bloody conflict was introduced to the chickpea, a vegetable that was easy to grow, could grow in bulk, and was highly compatible to their cuisine at the time. While the vegetable was enjoyed by many of high society the chickpea was better known as a staple of the poor common people.  

This led to the creation of a staple dish of Madrid that represents the history of Spain’s lower class, a dish that was considered delicious and inferior, a dish that took many years to become a staple in Madrid. This dish is known as Cocido Madrileño which translates to cooked Madrid. This dish is a delicious staple of Madrid and while easy to make is a dish with great freedom to change. This dish is currently served at many restaurants, from fine dining to a family eatery, it is a dish that is influenced by its ingredients and will always be tasty.

The dish itself is comparable to a beef stew, the stew includes chickpeas, potatoes, and other vegetables. The meat is often pork or beef but could anything depending on the chef’s creativity and preference. It is a hearty dish that has many complex textures, and a delicious stock used as the base of the stew. A dish that should be recommended to all who tour the great city of Madrid, whether for pleasure or knowledge, one should never hold back their desire to taste great food.  

Sources:

“Traditional Madrid Food.” Gran Hotel Ingles, www.granhotelingles.com/blog/traditional-madrid-food . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025. 

“La Carta de Botín – Restaurante Botín: Cochinillos y Corderos Asado de Madrid.” Botín Restaurant | Roast Suckling Pigs and Lamb of Madrid, 24 Feb. 2025, https://botin.es/en/menu-botin/ . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.  

Madrid like the rest of Spain uses seafood as centerpiece for many of their traditional dishes. These dishes are wide ranging in the protein choice and the creative ways that people make these dishes. These dishes, while more of a modern take on Madrid’s cuisine, are still rich in the culture of the city and taste great as well. The first item while simplistic is a staple of most regions in Spain and that is calamari or fried squid. Which while you can find a version of this dish almost anywhere in the world it takes on the most creativity in Spain, this including the city of Madrid.

One of the funnier options is comparable to something that many American blue-collar workers do, which is take some beef jerky or other types of dried meat and make a sandwich out of it by sticking it between some rye or some other type of bread. In this sense they take the calamari and stick it between two pieces of bread, this dish in particular is referred to as Bocadillo de Calamares. This is not to say there aren’t more creative options, it’s just that this option is popular with the general populace of Madrid. This is due to Spain’s access to the Mediterranean Sea making calamari and other sea food very inexpensive and easy to obtain.

Another seafood dish that is highly popular in Madrid is Huevos Estrellados which translates to fried eggs. The dish is similar to Mexican dirty rice in which you have a base which is for this dish is eggs which is mixed or plated with French fries or hashbrowns depending on the time of the day. The most common form of this dish is to use fish since it is a much lighter protein which makes it a good breakfast item; however, you can use any meat item for this dish, chorizo is often used as it is a staple of Spanish cuisine. This dish has great flavor and like many other dishes from Madrid and the rest of Spain has a large amount of freedom to play with protein and vegetable choices.

Sources:

“Traditional Madrid Food.” Gran Hotel Ingles, www.granhotelingles.com/blog/traditional-madrid-food . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025. 

“La Carta de Botín – Restaurante Botín: Cochinillos y Corderos Asado de Madrid.” Botín Restaurant | Roast Suckling Pigs and Lamb of Madrid, 24 Feb. 2025, https://botin.es/en/menu-botin/ . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.  

Madrid has many famous buildings, many with extreme historical value that extend far into the past and tell a story that would have been lost if left to mere words. This is especially important for Madrid and the many popular restaurants and hotels that span the city. The history of these grand buildings can be traced back centuries and is a source of pride and great flavor for the city of Madrid. 

Our first destination is the Gran Hotel Ingles; this hotel holds significant value in Madrid as it was the first ever hotel in Madrid to also include a restaurant inside its walls. Built back in mid-December of 1886, this hotel included a grand restaurant that served many delicacies. This hotel later became a staple of the 1920’s era, the grand design of the building’s interior modeled after the influences of an era economic growth for countries around the world.

The restaurant, Casa Lobo, complimented the current 5-star hotel with impeccable quality meals and service. This restaurant includes many staple foods of Madrid including the previously mentioned delicacies of Madrid. The current price of a night at the Gran Hotel Ingles can change depending on the time of day, when you make your reservations, and what day of the week you made your reservations on. For example, the average price during the year 2025 for a single night at this hotel is roughly $450 USD. However, this number changes depending on which room you get, some rooms are as low as $150 USD and some rooms can reach over $950 USD.

Finally, the most historic restaurant in all of Madrid and possibly even the world. The restaurant claiming this great honor and pride in the city of Madrid is Botín. Botín is a high-end restaurant that has been around for over three centuries. The restaurant was created back in 1725 by a French man, Jean Botín. After the death of Botín and his wife the restaurant was passed on to the nephew of his wife as he had no children. Since then, the restaurant has stood the test of time and has been remodeled many times. Currently, the restaurant is owned by the Gonzalez family, Emilio Gonzalez, and Amparo martin. This happened in the late 20^th century due to unspecified reasons.

The building that the restaurant Botín resides in has a great history in its own right that is complimented by the customs of Spain from centuries ago. The original building was built back in 1590 and was originally an inn. This stayed true up until Jean Botín’s death as he also used the restaurant as a selling point for his inn. This is especially important due to the Spanish customs used back during the 18^th century as inn owners were not allowed to sell people food. Instead, people would bring their own food to the inn and then the inn owners would prepare meals for their tenants using the food and were paid a small fee for their service.

The original owner of the building whose name has gone missing over time paid for an “Exemption of Guests Privilege” which meant that they didn’t have to house government officials when they came to Madrid. The reason why this happened was due to King Felipe the 3rd moving the Royal Court out of Madrid at the end of the 16^th century. Because of this, during the 17^th century government officials would take up residency in the upscale housing of the people living in Madrid. Similar to when American soldiers would force their way into people’s homes during the Revolutionary War.  

Then during the early 1600’s the Royal Court returned to Madrid. Then during the 1620’s, the Royal Court began to renovate and rebuild parts of Madrid. The current area that restaurant Botín resides in was the area in which the Royal Court rebuilt Madrid’s commercial enclave the most. This made the area highly populated and allowed for great business down the line when Jean Botín purchased the building and created his restaurant. Currently the restaurant holds the Guinness world record for being the oldest restaurant in the world.

Sources:

“Traditional Madrid Food.” Gran Hotel Ingles, www.granhotelingles.com/blog/traditional-madrid-food . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025. 

“Stay at the Best Boutique Hotel in Madrid – Gran Hotel Inglés.” Gran Hotel Ingles, www.granhotelingles.com/ . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025. 

“Get to Know Botín – Restaurante Botín: Cochinillos y Corderos Asado de Madrid.” Botín Restaurant | Roast Suckling Pigs and Lamb of Madrid, 24 Feb. 2025, https://botin.es/en/conoce-botin/ . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.  

“La Carta de Botín – Restaurante Botín: Cochinillos y Corderos Asado de Madrid.” Botín Restaurant | Roast Suckling Pigs and Lamb of Madrid, 24 Feb. 2025, https://botin.es/en/menu-botin/ . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.  

Guinness World Records. “Oldest Restaurant.” Guinness World Records, 19 June 2001, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/76907-oldest-restaurant . Accessed 20 Apr. 2025. 

Why Segovia? The Culture

When U.S. students dream of studying abroad, they often imagine the bustling streets of Paris or Rome’s ancient ruins. But nestled in the heart of Spain’s Castilla y León region is the enchanting city of Segovia. A destination that offers a unique and rich cultural experience, often overlooked by mainstream study abroad programs. This blog post argues that Segovia makes a great case for study abroad through its rich history, manageable size, and immersive learning opportunities. Whether you’re a college student seeking a global perspective or a professor looking to lead a study abroad program, Segovia offers something both academically valuable and personally transformative.

Segovia is best known for its awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across the city with 167 arches still standing from the 1st century AD. The aqueduct alone is reason enough for history majors to visit, but it’s only the beginning. The fairy tale Alcázar of Segovia, it is a castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, offers insight into Spain’s medieval past and royal heritage. Literature and architecture students will find ample opportunities to explore the intersections of art, narrative, and cultural identity.

Religious studies majors and professors may be drawn to the Segovia Cathedral, a late Gothic masterpiece that represents Spain’s rich Catholic heritage. Situated at the city’s highest point, the cathedral serves as both a spiritual center and a visual anchor. Segovia’s historical context provides rich material for classroom discussions on empire, religion, and cultural transformation, making it an ideal academic setting.

Unlike Spain’s larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona, Segovia’s compact size makes it easier for students to feel at home quickly. With just over 50,000 residents, Segovia offers a more intimate environment, perfect for language immersion and cultural connection. Students can walk from the aqueduct to the Alcázar in under 30 minutes, making the entire city feel like a living campus.

Professors planning faculty-led programs can appreciate Segovia’s safety, accessibility, and walkability. The city encourages meaningful interaction between students and locals, facilitating deeper cultural understanding and language acquisition. Cafés, open-air markets, and local festivals create natural opportunities for students to practice Spanish and engage with authentic daily life.

Study abroad programs in Segovia often partner with institutions like IE University, which offers courses in English and Spanish across a wide range of disciplines, including business, international relations, and media studies. For students interested in interdisciplinary education, IE’s global outlook provides a strong academic foundation while rooted in a historical setting.

Moreover, Segovia’s proximity to Madrid—just a 30-minute high-speed train ride—gives students access to Spain’s political and economic capital without the overwhelm of living in a major metropolis.

Faculty members will find Segovia to be a cost-effective and academically rich alternative to larger, pricier European cities. The city allows for immersive, experiential learning with its preserved architecture, walkable urban design, and integrated academic partnerships. Whether leading an art history course or a public policy seminar, Segovia’s layers of culture, governance, and tradition offer ample teaching material.

Segovia is more than just a beautiful city; it’s a bridge between past and present, between academic theory and lived experience. For U.S. college students seeking meaningful cultural engagement—and professors searching for a destination that combines history, safety, and academic potential—Segovia makes a persuasive case for study abroad. It is a place where education extends beyond the classroom and into cobblestone streets, bustling plazas, and centuries-old monuments.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/311/.

Spain.info. “Segovia: What to See.” Official Tourism Website of Spain. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://www.spain.info/en/destination/segovia/.

IE University. “About IE University – Segovia Campus.” Accessed April 21, 2025. https://www.ie.edu/university/about/segovia-campus/.

https://www.spain.info/en/places-of-interest/segovia-aqueduct

Andalusia is filled to the brim with special places and beautiful cities, but perhaps none are more significant than Córdoba. A picturesque city embedded in central Andalusia, just north of Sevilla, Cordoba is home to a number of landmarks that attract millions of tourists per year. The city is also a favorite among American students studying abroad. Córdoba is also widely regarded as one of the most walkable cities in all of Europe, let alone Spain. Córdoba is also the home of 322,000 people and is the capital of the province of Córdoba. The city was one of the most vital areas in the days of Al-Andalus from the 700’s to about 1236. Moorish and Arabic influence is incredibly prevalent in Córdoba as Mosques from the middle ages still draw millions of visitors. The narrow and walkable streets lead to a 16-arch Roman bridge that signifies the blend of Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish culture.

La Mezquita-Córdoba is Córdoba’s primary attraction and plays a massive factor in their tourism industry. The Mosque, which dates back to Al-Andalus, is one of the most pristine in the world. The entrance welcomes you under a gorgeous arched ceiling, which becomes quite commonplace as one continues into the heralded building. The hallways are ensconced in a bright pale glow, with orange-striped arches in the ceilings. Eventually, the hallways lead to a courtyard, which looks like a miniature city in the middle of the mosque. 

It’s not just the attractions like the Roman Bridge and La Mezquita-Córdoba that makes Córdoba the premier destination for visiting, living, or studying abroad in Andalusia. Córdoba is a fútbol loving city which is home to Córdoba Club de Fútbol (Córdoba CF), a professional soccer club in the second division of Spain’s soccer pyramid. They play their matches at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel, which translates to English as New Archangel Stadium. Córdoba CF are enjoying a good season, as they sit 10th out of 22 teams in the second tier. For any sports loving travelers, a game here is sure to be a memorable occasion. 

Córdoba isn’t just an ideal travel destination, it’s the best place to study abroad in Spain. As already mentioned, you don’t need fancy transportation to get around the city, as it is very walkable. There are plenty of places to eat authentic Spanish cuisine, and there’s also American food chains if you want a little taste of back home. The streets of Córdoba are dotted with shops left and right, most of which are famed Spanish street food. The University of Córdoba, which is located in downtown Córdoba has study abroad programs affiliated with a large number of US universities. They offer courses specifically designed for US students while still allowing for the student to fully immerse themselves in the Córdoba lifestyle. As part of their PRESHCO (Programa de Estudios Hispánica de Córdoba) program, students will . It should come as no surprise that studying abroad with one of these programs will drastically improve one’s Spanish skills and global perspective. Córdoba is also safe, as it boasts one of lowest crime rates in Spain, but obviously one must still take necessary precautions like you would in any foreign country. 

While Spain is a country filled with picturesque places and wonderful cities, Córdoba simply should not be overlooked. From incredible architecture, food, nature, sports, and local residents, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the flagship city of Andalusia.

During the Christian Reconquista, Cordoba was recaptured by King Ferdinand III of Castile in 1236 AD. This put Cordoba under Christian control. Not long after this, the Great Mosque (now Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba) was converted to a Cathedral for Christians. This marked a turning point in the religious state of Cordoba, shifting from the long period of Muslim rule to a Christian based state. This cathedral is known by many throughout the world to this day and is a very prominent and architecturally significant part of Spain and Cordoba’s history.

Muslims and Jews remained in Cordoba for a time after this capture, however this changed in 1492 AD when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella issued the Alhambra decree, declaring all Jews to be removed from their kingdoms. This was part of their campaign to make Spain completely catholic, rooted in deep power from the church. Not long after this, Muslims were also ordered to leave the city or convert to Christianity. After this, the city declined and was no longer the intellectual hub it once was.

When Napoleon invaded Spain and began his conquest for power, he sacked Cordoba during the Peninsular War, causing major damage. He was later forced out after the Battle of Bailen in 1808 AD, which marked a major turning point in the war. After being forced out, there were a series of civil wars in Spain, however Cordoba never saw much direct action. No major battles were fought, and it remained a very religious city.

During Francisco Franco’s rise to power in Spain, Cordoba was one of the first cities to come under his rule. They were under strict dictatorship and had little to no political say at this time. Cordoba was also slow to modernize versus other cities in Spain, especially because under Franco agriculture was the main part of their economy. Under Franco, the city was very poor and many starved to death which was similar to what other areas in Spain were experiencing at this time. After Franco’s death and Spain moved to democracy, Cordoba transitioned along with the rest of Spain. With the creation of The Spanish Constitution of 1978, Cordoba became a part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city has now accepted its heritage and embraced its diverse beginnings from all religions including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Cordoba is known for its historic sites, such as La Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba (The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba) and The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of the Christian Monarchs). It is also known for the Fiesta de Los Patios, which is a festival during the Spring where people decorate their patios and open them up to visitors and tourists. This specific event is meant to show the communal living style, where people come together to share food, drink, and traditional Flamenco style music. Each patio is usually decorated to show a specific theme, and it is another way for the people of Cordoba to show off their skill in design and their heritage.

If you’re an undergrad on a study-abroad program or the instructor teaching a faculty-led program, few places can rival the intellectual stimulation and sheer awe of the Royal Palace of Madrid. The Palacio Real, whether referred to as such or simply the Royal Palace of Madrid, isn’t just Europe’s largest royal palace by floor space; it’s an actively working embodiment of Spanish culture, brimming with opportunities for experiential learning and cultural immersion.

A Palace Founded on History

The Royal Palace stands on the site of the former Alcázar, a Moorish palace that was burned in 1734. King Philip V, Spain’s first Bourbon Spanish monarch, ordered the palace to be constructed in 1738 to reflect the grandeur of European absolutist power. Its designer blended Baroque, Classical, and Neoclassical styles with inspiration from Versailles and other European grand palaces.

The palace does not function as a royal residence in modern times; the Spanish royal household resides in less ostentatious Zarzuela Palace, but it is still the official location of state ceremonies and official receptions. It’s a ceremonial location and one of Spain’s most popular tourist spots.

For Students: A Deep Dive into Spanish Identity

As a tourist to Madrid, visiting the Royal Palace is an amazing experience, as it offers a mix of history, art, politics, and architecture in one location.

• Art lovers will appreciate the royal collection, which includes masterpieces by Goya, Caravaggio, and Velázquez.

• History majors can walk by the Throne Room and the Council Chambers and envision centuries of statecraft and court etiquette.

• Architects and architecture students have the privilege of seeing how and what was built in a palace that was intended to awe citizens and daunt competing European monarchs, as well as how this monument withstood the test of time.

Royal Armory is also a repository of wonderfully preserved arms, armor, and ceremonial equipment dating back to the 13th century.

For Professors: An Educational Goldmine

For educators, the Royal Palace is an interdisciplinary case study for many courses:

• History and political science courses can examine the employment of monarchy in modern European politics.

• Art history courses can examine the palace’s vast collection of tapestries, paintings, and statues.

• Literature and cultural studies courses can examine power, identity, and legacy from a Spanish perspective.

It is also strategically located close to the Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and Prado Museum, making it very convenient to plan a whole day’s itinerary of sightseeing with some of the major historical sites in Madrid.

In addition, educational tours may be planned and are highly recommended. Guides offer expert commentary that brings each room’s function and symbolism to life. These can be supplemented with pre- or post-visit discussions, reflections, or journal assignments to deepen student engagement.

Tourist Tips

At the planning stage already? Here are some quick facts:

• Buy tickets in advance to skip the long queues. Students under 25 often qualify for discounted entry with a valid student ID. You can find tickets and tour details at the official Royal Palace of Madrid website

• Go early to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed tour, especially in summer.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on marble and stone flooring for at least a couple of hours.

• Take notes or photos (where allowed), many rooms are dense with details that can be easily forgotten.

Final Thoughts

The Madrid Royal Palace is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a great teaching tool that bridges the past and the present.  It’s a fascinating history lesson in the royal and cultural heritage of Spain. For educators, it’s an active environment that complements numerous areas of study. Whether the course is art, politics, architecture, or European history, the palace is an unforgettable experience to learn by walking through a piece of history.

So next time you are in Madrid, with a class or on your own, take the time to visit the Royal Palace. It’s a journey into the heart of Spain you won’t want to miss.

For further reading on some of the attractions in Madrid, click here.

Students wishing to travel abroad: Do you wish to engage with a locale whose unique and warm culture extends to every aspect of life? Look no further than beautiful Madrid! In Madrid, even what would otherwise be the smallest and seemingly most insignificant thing absolutely exudes brilliance and a sense of warm Spanish culture. Looking at an area through its clothing and festivities is a wonderful lens to look at a place’s tradition, and it can be seen that many Madrid locals take pride in their own culture, wearing outfits called “chulapo” and “chulapa” for stunning and breathtaking San Isidro celebrations dating back to the 1600’s, celebrating Madrid and the love they hold for their patron saint of the city.

Now, you might be asking yourself a question: “What is a chulapo costume at all? Why should I care?” To help with any confusion, the costume designs change depending on gender. Men wear the chulapo outfit, which is made up of long black pants, a styled flat cap, a grey buttoned vest that covers a clean white collared shirt, sometimes wearing a long white necktie, and most importantly, a beautiful red carnation tucked into the vest or shirt pocket. The carnation is the symbol of love and marriage, showing devotion to another, and both men and women wear it. The women’s chulapa costume is also very interesting, starting with a ruffled, lantern-sleeved dress, followed by a beautifully colored shawl wrapped around the shoulders and back, and finishing off with a white headwrap with a red carnation adorning the top of the head. These specific outfits are to celebrate the Malasana area of Madrid, where this fashion was popular in the 1800’s during events and celebrations, and this unique style of clothing lives on through the San Isidro festival. Dressing up to enjoy partaking in a celebration with locals is an experience you will never forget!

The celebration of the San Isidro Festival dates back to 1619 A.D. to revere the death and canonization of San Isidro the Laborer, who is the patron saint of Madrid, farmers and planters. Getting the opportunity to learn about a Spanish Catholic tradition and engaging with unique European cultural figures while celebrating is something that many people never get the pleasure to experience! The celebration itself lasts for a week, starting in the middle of May on the 15th, but many people celebrate and party casually beforehand, which I know is something many college students can find rather familiar. As for the celebration itself, it involves a large selling of the best produce of the year that celebrates the field workers of Madrid, selling Madrid Stew, fancy wine, assorted pickled vegetables, and many other delicious foods. The events held through the week involve fun specialties like parades with floats and dancers, concerts, and a spectacle that many never see in their lives – a Spanish classic: The world-famous Madrid bullfighting. If loud and extravagant events are not up your alley, there are also many picnics held through the fields near the beautiful Manzanares River, as well as sporting events, with historical and religious lessons about Madrid and the event accompanying! No matter what you like to do or what you enjoy learning, there will always be fabulous and wonderful cultural growing experiences in Madrid, the crown jewel of Spain waiting for you!

INTRODUCTION INTO THE FOOD CULTURE OF CÓRDOBA

Spanish food is well known for its diverse and flavorful dishes, and this is all the more true when it comes to Córdoban cuisine, as there is a long, complex, and vibrant culinary heritage, which is reflected in its dishes. To understand this rich history, we must first rewind to a time before Córdoba was more than just the city of the Andalusian region of Spain, but rather the capital of Al-Andalus, the Muslim Empire on the Iberian peninsula. 

During this time, Córdoba served as a beacon of trends across Europe and the Islamic world. There was no greater representative of this than the cultural icon Ziryab. Full name being Abu al-Hasan ‘Ali Ibn Nafi,’ he traveled from Baghdad to Córdoba in the early ninth century and was influential in numerous fields, including music, poetry, fashion, and gastronomy.  Among his many contributions, Ziryab is credited with revolutionizing the art of dining in ninth-century Spain. Prior to his influence, meals were typically served with all the food piled onto a single communal dish, with metal goblets and plain tables. Ziryab introduced the concept of dining as a refined, structured experience, complete with tablecloths, glassware, and specific dining etiquette. Most notably, it was in Córdoba where he popularized the idea of the three-course meal: beginning with a light soup or appetizer, followed by the main course, and concluding with a sweet dessert. 

With this context in mind, it is no surprise that the dishes originating from Córdoba reflect this legacy. From its hearty meals to sweet confections to its approach to dining and presentation, Córdoba’s cuisine is a living testament to a rich, multi-layered history that began centuries ago that you can experience first hand.

FOUR TRADITIONAL DISHES ORIGINATING FROM CÓRDOBA

Oxtail Stew 

A version of this dish can be traced back to the days of the ancient Roman Empire, with the Córdoban version of the dish being known as Rabo de Toro, with ties to the local bullfighting traditions. It is a hearty meal that consists of slow cooked oxtail (as the name may suggest), vegetables, red wine, and traditional spices, and a flavor that has been described as rich and tender. 

Ajoblanco 

This dish is a cold, thick almond soup made of a blend of bread, water, salt, olive oil, garlic, and vinegar. Sometimes known as “white gazpacho,” this dish can trace its roots to the Moorish period (as Arabs introduced almonds to Al-Andalus), and it is the predecessor of other popular gazpacho dishes found throughout Spain. 

Salmorejo

Another gazpacho ancestor, this dish came to popularity after the introduction of tomatoes from the New World in the sixteenth century. It is a thick, creamy soup made of a blend of tomato and bread, usually garnished with egg, ham, and olive oil.

Flamenquín

This dish is a popular appetizer and typically consists of Jamón serrano (a type of dry-cured ham) rolled in pork loin, then breaded and deep fried, though many variations exist, some including cheese, sausage, fish, or poultry.

It is impossible to have a trip to Cordoba without encountering its rich and diverse culinary culture, and even harder to walk away without encountering at least one dish that you’ll love.

¡Buen provecho!

CITATIONS

Allibhoy, Omar. “Traditional Spanish Oxtail Stew (Rabo de Toro) Recipe.” Omar Allibhoy – The Spanish Chef, January 7, 2025. https://www.thespanishchef.com/recipes/spanish-oxtail-stew.

Aloise, Lauren. “Flamenquines Cordobeses – Andalusian Fried Pork Rolls.” Spanish Sabores, March 4, 2024. https://spanishsabores.com/flamenquines-cordobeses-recipe/. 

 Lebling, Robert. Culinary Biographies: Ziryab. (2006) Culinary Biographies: A Dictionary of the World’s Great Historic Chefs, Cookbook Authors and Collectors, Farmers, Gourmets, Home Economists, Nutritionists, Restaurateurs, Philosophers, Physicians, Scientists, Writers, and Others Who Influenced the Way We Eat Today, Yes Press.

Gritzer, Daniel. “Ajo Blanco (Spanish Chilled ‘White Gazpacho’ Bread and Almond Soup) Recipe.” Serious Eats, March 18, 2025. https://www.seriouseats.com/ajo-blanco-spanish-bread-almond-cold-soup-recipe. 

“Salmorejo Cordobés – Cold Spanish Tomato and Bread Soup from Cordoba.” Nick Malgieri, February 25, 2019. https://www.nickmalgieri.com/news/2016/8/12/salmorejo-cordobes.