On returning from our trip to Vigan, we stopped in Gerona, between Tarlac City and Paniqui. Travelers heading north usually stop in Tarlac for a hearty meal and a leg rest before starting another long drive.
We went to ISDAAN, a popular Pinoy restaurant in Tarlac. The same company owns Barrio Fiesta, Singing Cooks and Waiters, Atbp, and Bakahan Manukan.
Isdaan is the best place to eat when in Tarlac. You can always find it because it is right beside the highway. It's unique because of the floating nipa huts. Several different cuisines are served here. It is popular because their Singing Cooks entertain guests with traditional songs and dances. It's a fantastic location for photos as well.
When diners arrive, they are greeted by a friendly staff and a gorgeously landscaped area. The restaurant felt oddly familiar with its bamboo floors, koi ponds, water gardens, and fountains—features I had seen in floating restos. The concept itself is the only element; it is surrounded by striking decorations like Wishing Buddhas, which appear to be from another planet, playful sculptures like angry birds, and well-known superheroes and children's cartoon characters like Superman and Batman.
Giant sculptures and statues (weird monkeys, Bangkok-style Buddha, gigantic fish, uncanny Mayans) are scattered around the place, making it a distinct resto-park.
The restaurant is so characterful that food is served in boat trays and rice in "tiny Caldero." It's a well-liked destination for balikbayans traveling north of the Philippines.
It's a big enough venue to accommodate big parties.
"Isdaan Fresh Catch" is situated in Gerona along the Tarlac Highway. Visitors, especially those from overseas, view this place as a "must-visit" since it's fantastic to find this unexplored village surrounded by a large fishing pond. Near the entrance is a gift shop. Inside each nipa hut is a dining area with bamboo tables and benches.
The restaurant serves Filipino food such as lechon tinupig, inihaw na liempo, kare-kare, sisig, inihaw na tilapia, sinigang, and sinampalukang manok. You can also feed them your leftovers; the fish like rice. Try it out; it's therapeutic!
Travelers and foodies can participate in various indoor activities and visit sites of interest. The restaurant's main attraction is the Tacsiyapo Wall, where you can smash dishes, vases, and even television sets against the wall. Isdaan started throwing plates to cope with contradictory ideas and emotions, which helped him move past despair or heartbreak.
Every day, they prepared a delectable feast and lots of singing and dancing.
You always have a memorable and enjoyable eating experience at Isdaan!
The servers sang us a welcome and wouldn't stop once we gave them money. Live cultural dance performances are also available. While eating, singing groups will approach you and ask for a small tip; they're all very understanding and friendly.