Since 2020, José Manuel Morales Bernal has been developing a distinctive taco style rooted in his family’s Sinaloan culinary heritage. Operating food trucks in Santa Ana and Riverside, Bernal expanded his business in 2024 by opening a taqueria in Whittier. His initial recognition came from the first truck he launched in north Long Beach, where his tacos quickly established a unique presence.

To support his growth, Bernal has streamlined his menu to focus on key items that showcase his approach to traditional Sinaloan flavors. A standout offering is the chorreadas, which consist of crisped corn tortillas layered with melted cheese and asiento—a rendered pork fat paste used as a crucial flavoring ingredient. These are topped with a selection of chopped meats, including asada, adovada, tripe, or a combination, along with finely minced cabbage, chopped onion, and a warm, thin, tomato-based salsa. The result is a smoky, rich combination that has become a defining feature of his tacos.

Another popular item is the torito, which features flour tortillas filled with roasted Anaheim chiles slit open to hold melted cheese. As with the chorreadas, the distinctive porky, buttery taste imparted by asiento complements the vegetables and salsa, adding depth and character to the dish.

Morales Bernal’s focus on combining traditional ingredients with refined preparation techniques has set his offerings apart in Southern California’s competitive food scene. His dedication to preserving and evolving Sinaloan taco traditions continues to attract loyal customers while solidifying his position in the regional market.