La Diferencia, Ballico

La Diferencia

Truck Info:

815 Turlock Road, Ballico California

209-324-4839

Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00pm, Closed Sundays

Metrics:

Tortilla Type: Flour, rather soft, not crisped up much

Garnishes: Lime, onion, cilantro, very caramelized onions, sliced radishes, grilled jalapeño

Salsa: A mix of red and green, tastes very roasted off, deep and rich in flavor, rather savory

Meats: Asada, Pastor, Pollo, Lengua

Spice Level: 3/5, a little kick but not too much

Payment types: Cash

Here’s another great truck on Santa Fe between Merced and Modesto, this time in Ballico. This was my first time at this truck, but it definitely won’t be the last. In addition to their solid taco options, they have menudo and posole every Saturday, so I will definitely be returning for that as it gets colder.

This time I tried their asada tacos and was very happily surprised. The meat was well cooked, very flavorful but not over seasoned. But what really caught my attention was the salsa on the tacos. It was very rich and savory, with a nice intense roasted flavor. It almost tasted meaty. It paired perfectly with the asada, and the cilantro and onions did a great job cutting through the intense richness. Another highlight is the grilled jalapeño, which also balanced the heat of the whole meal.

These small decisions are what I love about taco trucks, as these tiny changes create a very different end result in the food. La Diferencia is a very good contrast to many other trucks who focus on more bright and acidic flavors, and a great regular spot to add to your roster. It feels like each new truck I try just continues to solidify my love for the sheer variety of tacos available in the Valley. Try out La Diferencia on your next trip up Santa Fe.

Date Visited: 9/22/22