Burnin 99 Hot Pot in Columbia: What to Expect and How to Order

Burnin 99 is a hot pot restaurant in Columbia where you cook raw ingredients in a simmering broth at your table

Burnin 99, located in Columbia, operates as a self-service hot pot restaurant—a dining format where you select raw meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, then cook them in a pot of heated broth right in front of you at your table. The restaurant provides the broth, the heat source, and the raw ingredients; you control the cooking time and temperature. It's a hands-on meal that works well for groups because everyone can cook at their own pace and customize what goes into their bowl.

The experience is interactive and social. You're not waiting for a kitchen to prepare your food—you're the cook. This means the meal takes as long as you want it to, and you can keep ordering more ingredients as you go. It's common for a hot pot meal to last an hour or more, especially if you're dining with others.

Key Takeaways

• You cook your own food in a heated broth pot at your table, choosing from raw proteins, vegetables, noodles, and other ingredients provided by the restaurant.
• Burnin 99 typically offers different broth bases—often a mild option and a spicy option—so you can pick the heat level that suits you.
• The meal is self-paced; you order ingredients in rounds and cook them as you eat, so dinner can take as long as you want.
• Hot pot works best for groups or people who enjoy interactive dining and don't mind handling raw ingredients and managing a cooking pot.

How the Broth and Heat Source Work

Burnin 99 provides a heating element—usually a portable burner or induction cooktop—built into or placed under your table. The restaurant fills a metal pot with broth and sets it on the heat. The broth stays at a gentle simmer throughout your meal, and you adjust the heat dial if you want it hotter or cooler. Most locations offer at least two broth options: a mild or neutral broth and a spicy broth, sometimes with a divided pot so you can have both at once.

The broth is the foundation of the meal. It flavors everything you cook in it and becomes richer as you add ingredients. Some broths are clear and light; others are creamy or deeply spiced. If you're new to hot pot, ask your server which broth is mildest or most popular—that's a safe starting point.

What Proteins and Ingredients You Can Order

Burnin 99's menu typically includes thinly sliced raw beef, lamb, pork, and chicken; raw shrimp and other seafood; tofu in various forms; mushrooms; leafy greens like spinach and bok choy; noodles; dumplings; and sometimes fish cakes or meatballs. Ingredients are usually ordered by the plate or portion, and you can order as many rounds as you want during your meal.

The key to hot pot is that everything arrives raw or partially cooked. You drop it into the simmering broth, wait 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on the ingredient, fish it out with a small strainer or chopsticks, dip it in sauce if you like, and eat it. Thin slices of meat cook in under a minute; vegetables take a bit longer. This is why hot pot is interactive—you're timing each ingredient and deciding when it's done to your taste.

Dipping Sauces and Flavor Customization

Most hot pot restaurants, including Burnin 99, provide a sauce bar or sauce options where you can mix your own dipping sauce. Common components include sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, scallions, and chili oil. You typically combine these in a small bowl to your preference, then dip each cooked bite before eating it. The sauce is where you add extra flavor and control the heat level independently of the broth.

If you're unsure what to mix, ask your server for a recommendation or start with a simple combination of sesame oil and soy sauce. You can always adjust as you eat.

Timing and Pacing Your Meal

A hot pot meal is not rushed. Plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes at the table, especially if you're with a group. You order ingredients in waves—a first round of proteins and vegetables, then more as you finish. This pacing lets you taste different combinations and avoid overwhelming the pot or your stomach.

If you're dining alone, order smaller portions per round. If you're with others, you can share plates and try more variety. The server will check on you periodically to see if you want to order more ingredients or adjust the heat.

What to Bring and What to Know Before You Go

Wear clothes you don't mind getting a little steam on—hot pot involves a simmering pot at your table, so there's moisture and warmth. Bring an appetite and patience; this is not a quick meal. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, tell your server before you start so they can guide you toward safe ingredients and broths.

Hot pot is popular with groups and celebrations because it's social and everyone can customize their meal. If you've never done it before, going with someone who has done it before can help, but the staff at Burnin 99 will walk you through the basics. Most people find it intuitive once they start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to use chopsticks to eat at Burnin 99?

No. The restaurant provides small strainers or slotted spoons to fish cooked ingredients out of the broth, and you can eat with a fork if chopsticks are uncomfortable. Many people use chopsticks for fun but don't require them.

What if I don't like spicy food?

Order a mild or neutral broth base, and skip the spicy dipping sauces. You can build your own sauce with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic instead. The broth itself will be mild, so your meal won't be hot unless you add heat to it.

Can I make a reservation, or is it first-come, first-served?

Many hot pot restaurants take reservations, especially for groups. Call Burnin 99 directly to ask about their reservation policy and whether they recommend booking for your party size and time of day.

How much does a meal at Burnin 99 usually cost?

Pricing varies by location and what you order. Most hot pot meals run between $20 and $50 per person depending on how many ingredient rounds you order and whether you add premium proteins like wagyu beef. Ask your server about pricing before you order if you want to budget ahead.

Is hot pot good for people with food allergies?

Hot pot can work for allergies because you control what goes into your pot, but cross-contamination is possible if multiple people are cooking in the same broth. Tell your server about your allergies upfront so they can advise you on safe ingredients and whether a separate pot is an option.