East Coast Trip Day 4 - Awana Kijal & Tong Juan @ Kemaman

After 3 days filled with relaxing yet exciting activities (for the family ok?), it was time to bid goodbye to the East Coast. Since all of us slept early, we felt refreshed and well-rested. Our package included free breakfast for all and so we headed down to the Kampung Restaurant for their buffet-styled brekkie. Choices were not as extensive as the 5-star hotels out there & do not expect the food to be good. There were hits & misses, and the only thing that I remember good was the tuna spread. Can't complain much since it was FOC.

After the brekkie, we brought Sher Ryn to the children playground where she played with the slide and the swing. For a 20-months old baby, she seemed to enjoy the adrenaline sliding down the rather high slide and loved it even more as we pushed the swing harder.. to our surprises. Oh well! As long as you are happy Sher Ryn :)

Awana Kijal also provides free usage of their childcare centre to the guests and we utilised it. Some light moments with the dad and playing around with the toys satisfied her.

It was noon by the time we checked out of the hotel and headed to Kemaman (again) for lunch - this time to the famous Tong Juan for the stuffed crab. Of course, there are other restaurants in the area that offer stuffed crab but when my aunt (who's from Kemaman by the way) said that Tong Juan is the best, then Tong Juan it is!!

This ever popular eatery was packed by the time we arrived and lucky for us, someone was about to leave so we managed to secure a table right next to the counter. Business was so good as all the tables would be taken as soon as patrons left. Our Muslim friends were the majority diners (with most tables taken by them) as we had our lunch here.

It was so hot outside and we seriously need something to cool down

Of course, the stuffed crabs were the first to arrive at our table - one for each person. This dish was good even though a bit oily (due to deep fried method). Not a problem for me though because the delicious crab meat made up for it.

Each and every stuffed crab is filled with meat.

The stir fried chicken meat with dark soy sauce was normal - the size of the meat could be a little smaller though.

Fresh kangkung done in belacan style!

Another highlight would be the grilled tiger prawns with garlic. Fresh, succulent and bursting with the aroma of garlic, we could have ordered the second helping of this dish.

Braised taufu with vegetables was another normal dish.

Homemade fish ball soup provided comfort to our already full stomach. The fish balls were juicy and bouncy while the soup was slightly peppery.

Now we were prepped up for our long journey home... BURP!

P.S: This post marks the end of my 4D3N trip to the East Coast! It took us another 5 hours drive to reach Kuala Lipis via East Coast Highway and also the trunk roads from Temerloh-Jerantut-Kuala Lipis. It was tiring but I am glad that everyone had a great time on this trip. Although the words were washed away by the waves, the memories would be forever etched in my brain :)

Tong Juan restaurant
K-117 Jalan Sulaiman,
24000 Kemaman, Terengganu
GPS: 4.231314, 103.428383
Tel: 09-859 1346‎

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.
3) Halal (^_^)