On the sun-drenched stretch of highway connecting Falmouth and Montego Bay, nestled among swaying trees is a charming restaurant called Muk Bang, the brainchild of Javoi and Kim McCook, a husband-and-wife team whose culinary talents blend the vibrant flavours of Jamaican and Chinese cuisine.

McCook explained the motivation behind the restaurant and how they decided on a name for the eatery.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic we had moved on from Sandals and decided to venture out on our own. We were looking for a name that was catchy and would represent what we had planned, which was to provide customers with varied food options. Especially since I’m a vegetarian and it is always difficult, on this side, to find those options, and my wife is Chinese so the fusion was a mix of Jamaican, Chinese and vegetarian. The name just came to us as we watched Wayne Marshall and Tami Chin, where Tami would ask Wayne to let’s get a Muk Bang.”

“We opened up in 2021 and we just have to give God thanks! Of course, top-selling Jamaican dishes are curry goat and oxtail, Chinese favourites are chow mein, mala chicken, sweet and sour chicken, while vegetarian options are chick peas and chop suey. Food has always been a part of me; I like to joke that the ‘cook’ in my last name is no coincidence,” McCook added.

Both partners share a background in food, as McCook was chief of steward and worked extensively with the chefs while Kim pursued a degree in hospitality and tourism and worked in a few restaurants which led to being a chef’s admin at Sandals Resorts International.

“I grew up in Jamaica and then went to Canada for high school, there my older brother had a restaurant called Jerk King and I was always helping in there. I came back to Jamaica, started working in a restaurant and eventually opened my own, then went to Sandals. We met at Sandals in the kitchen and we had a shared love of food and wanting to open a restaurant and here we are,” Kim explained.

“Once people enter, they’re surprised that this space is actually here and we back that up, with excellent service and great food. We push the hospitality aspect of our business and maintain consistency and we believe that’s what keeps our customers coming back. We create a warm atmosphere and treat our customers like family,” Kim added.

The husband-and-wife duo are looking forward to adding dining and more meal options to the menu. Currently, they have an entertainment package on Fridays to include live and retro music, and sing-a-longs.

“We’re looking to have Muk Bang in other parishes to bring that great experience and family friendly vibe,” McCook stated.

Text & photos: Aceion Cunningham

Address: Rock, Falmouth

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Telephone #: 876-4428983 / 876-379-7115