USOK — Restaurant in Clarington

If you spend enough weekends working the Courtice Flea Market, like I do, you learn very quickly where the real food lives. Not the overpriced carnival stuff that tastes the same everywhere. I am talking about the place where smoke hangs in the air, where the grill announces itself before you even see it, and where the people behind the counter cook like they actually care. That place is Usok.

The crew who started this spot in the spring of 2025 are a tight group of friends who seem to have decided that serving honest Filipino food in a flea market was a perfectly reasonable dream. Good thing they did, because the rest of us get to benefit from that decision. Their food has heart. You taste it in every bite. You feel it in the way they talk to customers. There is no gimmick here. Just real cooking from people who know exactly what they are doing.

They keep the menu simple. Three combos that tell you everything you need to know. Combo A delivers Filipino pork barbecue skewers with caramelized edges and a whisper of smoke that lingers long after the bite is gone. It comes with garlic rice that makes you question why anyone ever cooks rice any other way. There is also Filipino spring rolls (lumpiang shanghai) that cracks the moment your teeth hit it. A drink (a can of pop or bottle of H2O) comes with it, but the food is the real show.

Combo B trades the lumpia for "pancit bihon", a tangle of Filipino stir fry noodles that tastes like an old family recipe. It carries that humble comfort that makes you slow down for a moment and appreciate what you are eating.

Combo C is the one I keep coming back to. A chicken quarter leg glazed in a Filipino style barbecue that hits every note from sweet to savoury. You get a side of corn dusted with cheese. It sounds simple, but it works in a way that feels almost unfair. A drink (again, usually pop or water) rounds it out, and suddenly you have a meal that feels far more generous than the price suggests.

I consider myself one of the most dedicated outdoor vendors out there, so I always try to send my own customers there all the time. When someone asks where they should eat at the market, the answer is easy. "Usok."

There is no hesitation. They serve food that respects the person eating it. Portions are generous. Prices are honest. The people behind the counter move with the confidence of cooks who know they are putting out something worth your time.

If you want one of those rare moments where food reminds you why you love eating in the first place, go to Usok. Go hungry. Let them feed you. They will not let you down. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 5. 👌🙏❤️

~Yours Truly, JLC (John...

A Heartwarming, Affordable Culinary Experience at USOK

During my recent visit to the Courtice Flea Market, I had the pleasure of discovering USOK, an unassuming gem that offers an authentic and nostalgic dining experience. For just \$10.99, I enjoyed a well-rounded plate featuring savory BBQ, garlic rice, two pieces of lumpiang shanghai, and a rich, buttery cheesy corn. The value is exceptional for the quality and portion size.

The BBQ, smoky and tender, was perfectly cooked, with layers of flavor that lingered pleasantly on the palate. The lumpiang shanghai, paired with a sweet chili sauce, delivered a delightful crunch and a fresh, balanced flavor. The cheesy corn, a throwback to my childhood, brought an added layer of comfort and familiarity to the meal—a true 1 peso after-school treat reminder of grade 3 in the Philippines in its simplest form.

What truly elevated the experience, however, was the warm hospitality of the owner. Though we waited about 15 minutes for our meal, he graciously offered a buko pandan dessert as a gesture of goodwill. The buko pandan itself was a perfect finish to the meal—just as flavorful and satisfying as the other dishes.

Overall, USOK offers not just a meal, but a welcoming, feel-good experience that transports you to a place of comfort and tradition. I’ll definitely be returning soon. Thank you, USOK, for such a memorable...

I belong to many of the Durham region foodie groups on Facebook. From The moment I saw photos of USOK I knew I would have to visit.

I will start with the customer service. I was able to meet with the owners. They're a group of friends who are also couples. Von and his wife Katherine were so incredibly friendly. They want to share authentic Filipino food with Durham Region. Von can be seen speaking to customers in the food court and asking for honest feedback. They do have plans to share more menu items in the future but the menu they currently have is amazing.

This is my first time trying pancit. A Filipino a vermicelli noodle. This dish packed a punch of flavor. I've had lumpia before. It's basically a Filipino spring roll and it paired perfectly with the sauce.

I was so incredibly blown away by the amount of flavor in their tender skewers. iPad skewers from other places and while delicious they can sometimes get a little dry or burnt. These had the perfect amount of char. I'm also a sauce girly. The sauce caramelized perfectly. 100% recommended.

The chicken was a nice portion and went so well with their garlicky Rice and cheese corn

I'm a pandan lover. The buko pandan was a drinkable Sago delight . Everything I had was perfection. I would 100%...