Daddy Yankee, the Puerto Rican reggaeton icon, is trading the stage for the kitchen—at least for a new venture. He's partnered with acclaimed Peruvian chef Jaime Pesaque to open Cholapink, a restaurant in New York's SoHo neighborhood that reimagines traditional Peruvian cuisine for a contemporary audience.
The menu is built around grilled anticuchos, those beloved street-food skewers, but elevated with exclusive marinades and Amazonian ingredients flown in from Peru. Think chicken thigh glazed with miso and mirasol chili, beef steak with smoked panca chili and huancaína sauce, or pork belly with a sweet-and-sour rocoto chili and pineapple chutney. There's also a catch-of-the-day in yuzu aioli and peanut-crusted mushrooms for plant-based diners.
Pesaque, recognized by The World's 50 Best, brings his expertise to the project. The collaboration grew out of conversations during Daddy Yankee's world tours, where the singer's love for authentic regional flavors sparked a friendship and a shared vision. "We wanted to bring the soul of Peruvian street food to New York, but with a modern twist," Pesaque said in a statement.
A Culinary Bridge Between Cultures
Cholapink isn't just about food; it's a cultural statement. The restaurant celebrates the diversity of Latin American cuisine, blending Caribbean energy with Andean ingredients. The name itself—a playful mix of "chola" and "pink"—reflects a bold, contemporary aesthetic that challenges stereotypes.
The space, located in the heart of SoHo, is designed to feel both vibrant and intimate, with an open kitchen that lets diners watch the anticuchos being grilled. The soft opening has already drawn crowds, eager to taste the fusion of tradition and innovation.
"This is more than a restaurant," Daddy Yankee said. "It's a way to share our culture with the world, one plate at a time."
For those who can't make it to New York, the menu offers a taste of Peru's rich culinary heritage, from classic ceviche cured in tiger's milk to chaufa fried rice and creamy choclo corn. The restaurant also features a curated selection of Peruvian wines and cocktails, adding to the experience.
Cholapink joins a growing wave of Latin American culinary ventures in the U.S., but it stands out for its commitment to authenticity and innovation. As Daddy Yankee continues to break barriers in music, this new chapter proves his influence extends far beyond the stage.
For more on Daddy Yankee's recent honors, check out our coverage of the Latin Grammys 2026. And if you're curious about other Latin food trends, read about the return of ancestral bone broth.
