Pepitas Pop-Up Will Bring Peruvian-Chinese Chifa Flavors to Agnes and Sherman

A new Peruvian-inspired pop-up called Pepitas is making its debut in the Heights on September 24, and the first dinner will lean directly into Peru’s Chinese-influenced Chifa tradition.

Craft Pita founder and chef Raffi Nasr is launching the series with his mother, Claudia Nasr. For the debut at Agnes and Sherman, they are collaborating with chef and co-owner Nick Wong on a menu that brings Peruvian and Chinese flavors together.

Chifa is the focus of the first Pepitas dinner

CultureMap reports that the menu will include fried wontons with sweet-and-sour sauce, Salchipapas Wong topped with Peruvian sauces and Chinese sausage, Arroz Chaufa with shrimp, chicken and hot dog, and Lomo Saltado served with garlic corn rice and fries.

Those dishes make the pop-up more than a generic collaboration dinner. Chifa developed from the influence of Chinese immigrants in Peru and has become a distinct part of Peruvian food culture, particularly through techniques and dishes built around wok cooking, fried rice and savory sauces.

A family project with a Houston restaurant connection

Raffi Nasr is best known locally for Craft Pita, while Claudia Nasr brings the family connection that helps give Pepitas its identity. Hosting the debut at Agnes and Sherman adds another layer because Wong and his team already operate a restaurant shaped by Asian American influences.

The format also gives Houston diners a chance to experience a concept before it has a permanent restaurant address. Pop-ups often become a testing ground for future menus, collaborations and even full concepts, although no permanent Pepitas location has been announced.

When and where

The debut is scheduled for Thursday, September 24 at Agnes and Sherman in the Heights. Reservations were being offered through OpenTable when the event was announced.

Because this is a one-night collaboration, availability can change quickly. Anyone planning to attend should confirm the current reservation status directly before making plans.

Source: Pop-up details and the announced menu were reported by CultureMap Houston.

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