The ancient city of Córdoba, historically a home to multiculturalism, holds secrets and hidden gems waiting to be discovered by its visitors.
Among all its monuments, paths, and legends, there is a cuisine as rich as its culture. And one of those little delights—although sometimes not so little—is the flamenquín cordobés.
Join us on this journey through the local gastronomy, and there’s nothing better for getting around the city than to hire a cheap car at Málaga Airport.
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Origin of the flamenquín in Córdoba
You may already know the general information. The flamenquín cordobés is a slice of serrano ham wrapped in rolls of pork loin, all breaded with breadcrumbs and fried in oil.
What you might not know is its historical origin. Although it is not completely certain, several theories point to a common origin. It is believed that the municipality of Bujalance is where the first flamenquines cordobeses were created.
As with everything in the city of Córdoba, the blend of cultures yields fantastic results that can be enjoyed in its history, art, architecture, and, of course, gastronomy. A clear example of this cultural richness is the Mezquita de Córdoba, one of the most iconic monuments that reflects this fusion of influences.
Where to eat the best flamenquines in Córdoba
Now we come to the most important section of the article: where to enjoy this culinary masterpiece. Here we offer a selection of the best bars and restaurants where you can savor the authentic flamenquín cordobés.
Hermanos Bonillo
Calle de Sagunto, 27
Your eyes might deceive you here, as seeing the flamenquín almost half a meter long might make you think it’s overcooked on one side and a bit raw on the other. Nothing could be further from the truth.
They are true masters in the art of the flamenquín cordobés, serving them for decades from a kitchen that is as popular as it is admired.
It’s not located in the heart of the city—it’s more in the eastern area—but it’s worth making a small detour from your visit to Córdoba’s main monuments to enjoy a tasty break, and take the opportunity to discover some of the best restaurants in Córdoba where you can try other local specialties.
Taberna Tabgha
Calle de San Felipe, 15
We arrive at our first tavern, a place where the classic and the avant-garde go hand in hand. Traditional recipes with modern touches will let you enjoy local cuisine from a fresh perspective.
The quality of their ingredients is evident from the first bite—or even before. Just by looking at the plate, you can tell that what’s in front of you is of outstanding quality.
In addition to the traditional one, you can try new creations that stray a bit from the conventional but are a true treat for the senses, such as their flamenquín with Roquefort and spinach.
La Cazuela de la Espartería
Calle Rodríguez Marín, 16
An essential spot on Córdoba’s gastronomic scene. La Cazuela de la Espartería can proudly claim to serve not only one of the most authentic and delicious flamenquines cordobeses, but also some of the thickest in the entire city.
Don’t be fooled, though—the toasting is perfect, and you won’t feel heavy after finishing the plate. This is thanks to high-quality frying and a careful cooking process.
Sociedad de Plateros de María Auxiliadora
Calle de María Auxiliadora, 25
Here you can enjoy both what’s on your plate and everything that surrounds you. The charm of its terrace and Andalusian patio is already well known throughout the city.
Everything at the Sociedad de los Plateros de María Auxiliadora borders on perfection—from the breading and its crispy top layer to the quality of the pork loin and ham. What’s more, their latest surprise has been born in the kitchen: a gluten-free flamenquín cordobés. Now that’s thinking of everyone without leaving tradition behind.
Recipe for flamenquín cordobés
For those in love with cooking, or who simply fell in love with this quintessentially Cordoban dish after trying it, here’s how to make an authentic flamenquín cordobés.
What’s in a flamenquín cordobés?
Before even listing the ingredients needed to make a flamenquín cordobés, we should make a brief note and remember that cheese is an addition from outside Córdoba, since the authentic flamenquín cordobés contains no cheese at all.
Ingredients for flamenquín cordobés for 4 people:
- 2 eggs
- 4 pork loin fillets butterflied
- Slices of serrano ham
- Breadcrumbs
- Fine salt
- Ground black pepper
- Oil for frying—preferably olive oil, but sunflower oil can also be used
How to make flamenquín cordobés
We’re going to explain the authentic flamenquín cordobés recipe in the simplest and clearest way possible, making it accessible to all types of cooks, from experts to beginners.
You’ll need a butterflied pork loin fillet placed between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound it until its size is at least double. Repeat this with all the fillets.
Cover the fillet widthwise with serrano ham and roll it forward, making sure it’s tightly packed. Repeat this process with all the fillets.
In a container large enough to fit the entire flamenquín, place the breadcrumbs; in another next to it, put the beaten eggs with salt and pepper. Next, dip the flamenquines in the egg, then in the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process a couple more times and make sure everything is well coated, paying special attention to the edges. They should be well “sealed.”
With medium heat and the oil hot at about 150 degrees, place the flamenquines in a frying pan, making sure they fit perfectly. A couple of minutes later, you can increase the heat.
When golden, remove them and place them on a plate lined with several layers of paper towel to absorb the excess oil. And that’s it—once they’re at normal temperature, you can serve them with whatever you like.
Normally, the most common accompaniment is French fries and a bit of mayonnaise or aioli. And if you want to complete the gastronomic experience, don’t miss the salmorejo cordobés, another essential classic of the local cuisine.
Map of where to eat the best flamenquines cordobeses
To make your route tasting the best flamenquines cordobeses in the city complete, here’s a map showing where those bars and restaurants are located.
