The History of Truffle: From Ancient Rome to Modern Menus

Humans have been chasing truffles for thousands of years. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all loved them. The Romans used pigs to hunt them and today, trained dogs have largely replaced pigs (Italy banned truffle pigs in 1985).

The largest reward for truffle hunters is the price-tag. White Alba truffles from Italy's Piedmont region can fetch up to €5,000 per kilo, with the most expensive truffle ever sold going for $330,000 at auction in 2007. Even black truffles, the more affordable kind, are around €1,300 to €1,500 per kilo. Truffles are seasonal and are impossible to rely on to grow as they lose moisture the moment they're unearthed. Every single factor pushes the price up.

But the real reason we're obsessed? The flavour. Truffles are packed with glutamate, which is responsible for umami, the famous "fifth taste”. They contain over 40 volatile compounds that create those distinctive musky, garlicky, nutty notes. A single gram of white truffle can flavour a whole kilo of pasta. 

Why London Can't Get Enough of Truffle Pasta

TikTok and Instagram have made truffles a celebrity ingredient by showing off and sharing video reels of tableside cheese wheels with over-the-top shaving of fresh truffles. Some well-known Italian restaurants in London have built an empire on it, with their viral truffle pastas becoming some of the most photographed dishes in the city.

London's shift toward comfort dining has also played a role in the truffle trend. After years of chasing the experimental and the new, diners started craving dishes that felt rich, luxurious, comforting and truffle pasta hits that sweet spot with all three. 

Where to Find the Best Truffle Pasta in Soho

The key to good truffle pasta is using a minimal amount, if you add too much it can spoil the flavour of all other pasta ingredients. Creamy sauces work really well because the fat-soluble compounds in truffle bind to butter, cream and cheese. Risottos, lasagnes and butter-and-parmesan bases are all made more delicious with a shaving of fresh truffle on top.

At 27 Old Compton Street, you'll find truffle woven through the menu. The Mushroom & Truffle Lasagne layers fresh pasta with creamy béchamel and a rich truffle mushroom sauce. And for those who want to go further, fresh truffles can be added to almost any dish on the menu for just £6.00 extra, from the Rustici Pesto with its cavolo nero and pistachio to the Maccheroni Amatriciana.

Is Truffle Pasta Worth the Hype?

Truffle pasta isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It taps into what London diners want right now. Whether you're a truffle devotee or trying it for the first time, there's never been a better moment to pull up a chair at your favourite Italian spot and see what all the fuss is about.

Experience Authentic Pasta in London

Ready to explore exceptional pasta in London? At 27 Old Compton Street, we prepare these classics fresh throughout the day. Traditional Roman favourites, creative seasonal specials, and everything in between - discover why Soho locals queue for our handmade pasta.

Open until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday - perfect for late-night pasta in London.