Some ingredients seem so sophisticated that they could level up almost any meal: caviar, wagyu beef, saffron, gold leaf, and, one of the most extravagant, truffle. The prized fungi that was once an elusive delicacy is having a moment, and not just among the most lavish of establishments.
Adding truffle to a dish automatically gives it a refined, umami flavor, no matter its humble beginnings. Think truffle fries, potato chips, mac and cheese—and now, truffle can be part of your go-to fast food orders.
Popeyes teamed up with Truff, a luxury condiment business that sells truffle hot sauces, mayonnaise, oils, and more, to create the Spicy Truff Chicken Sandwich: The fast-food chain's classic fried chicken topped with Truff’s Spicy Mayo infused with black winter truffle on a brioche bun. Starting at $6, the sandwich also includes pickles for extra tanginess.
Nick Ajluni, co-founder and co-CEO of Truff, said in a press release that the inspiration behind Truff comes from “the streetwear mentality of high-low fashion.”
“That origin story comes full circle as we announce our partnership with Popeyes, a brand that has set the tone for what’s trending in the QSR space over the past few years,” Ajluni wrote. “We are pleased to work with Popeyes to redefine ‘fast-food’ and offer an experience where an elevated product like Truff mixes seamlessly with the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich.”
The collaboration goes beyond the sandwich, with a “build your own” menu that lets customers get a side of Truff Spicy Mayo or add Truff sauce to other orders. The new speciality Truff items also include the Spicy Truff Blackened Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Truff Bacon and Cheese Chicken Sandwich, Truff Fries, Truff Nuggets, and more. If you want to try it out, you’ll need to do it fast—the partnership is available for a limited time.
Popeyes isn’t the first fast food joint to add truffle to their menu. In 2020, Shake Shack offered (for a limited time) the black truffle burger, which fans loved so much that the chain brought it back a year later.
Taste Test: Popeyes Spicy Truff Chicken Sandwich
We tried the new Chicken Sandwich, and after reading some mixed reviews were pleasantly surprised with the balance of flavors. The chicken is classically crispy and juicy, and the truffle sauce isn't overpowering. You definitely need the pickles for the freshness. It's definitely still a fast food sandwich—don't expect a Michelin Star meal—but the price is fair for what you get. We also got the Truff Fries but didn't get much of the truffle flavor. Of course, the location you order from can make or break your opinion, but you might want to order the Spicy Mayo on the side just in case.