@photo credits - Miguel Valverde
Paco Morales, chef of the renowned restaurant Noor in Córdoba, is celebrated for his ability to reinterpret Andalusian cuisine with a modern and innovative approach.
Biography
Paco Morales was born in Córdoba in 1981 and grew up in a culinary environment, thanks to his family's restaurant, El Asador de Nati. From a young age, he exhibited a deep passion for cooking, which led him to work in some of the finest Spanish restaurants, including Ferran Adrià's El Bulli and Andoni Luis Aduriz's Mugaritz. These formative experiences significantly shaped his culinary approach, steering him towards a modern reinterpretation of Andalusian tradition (Granada Hoy) (REPSOL).
In 2016, Morales opened Noor in Córdoba, an ambitious project aimed at rediscovering and reinterpreting the cuisine from the golden age of Al-Andalus. Noor, which means "light" in Arabic, quickly became a milestone in international gastronomy, earning its first Michelin star in the same year of its opening, followed by a second in 2019 (Granada Hoy) (REPSOL), and finally the third star in 2024.
Morales's cuisine is noted for its innovative use of traditional ingredients and cutting-edge culinary techniques. A quintessential example of his style is the "Karim of pine nuts, spring melon, Sahara sea urchin, and fresh oregano," a dish that combines flavors and textures in a surprising and sophisticated manner (REPSOL).
Morales collaborates with historians and architects, such as Rosa Tovar and José Ramon Tramoyeres, to ensure that each dish is an authentic representation of the era’s cuisine. Noor is not just a culinary experience but also a journey through time, where guests can immerse themselves in the culture and history of Al-Andalus through food (Granada Hoy).
Morales has been featured in the list of the world's 50 best chefs according to The Best Chef Awards. His career is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation, leading him to prestigious events such as the official dinner for the European Summit at the Alhambra in Granada (Diario Córdoba) (Granada Hoy).
Paco Morales continues to influence the international culinary scene with his unique vision and commitment to quality and authenticity. His skill in blending past and present makes each dish a memorable experience, helping to keep Andalusian culinary tradition alive and propelling it into the future.
