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

Burnin 99 brings interactive hot pot dining to downtown Columbia

Burnin 99 is a hot pot restaurant located in Columbia where you cook raw ingredients in a simmering broth at your table. The restaurant provides the heat source, broth, and a wide selection of proteins, vegetables, noodles, and dipping sauces—you control the cooking time and flavors. It's a hands-on meal that works well for groups, dates, or anyone who wants to customize exactly what goes into their bowl.

The concept differs from traditional sit-down dining: instead of a chef preparing your plate in the kitchen, you're the one deciding when each ingredient is cooked through. This makes hot pot both a meal and an activity, which is why it's become popular in college towns and urban centers across the country.

Key Takeaways

• Burnin 99 operates as a table-cooking experience where you add raw ingredients to a hot broth and eat them when they reach your preferred doneness.
• The restaurant provides multiple broth bases, usually including mild and spicy options, so you can choose your heat level before the meal starts.
• Pricing typically works per person rather than per dish, with a set price that includes access to the broth and a selection of proteins and vegetables.
• Reservations are recommended for groups larger than four, especially on weekends, because table turnover during peak hours can create wait times.
• The meal takes longer than traditional dining—plan for 60 to 90 minutes—because cooking happens gradually throughout the experience.

How the meal works at Burnin 99

When you arrive, staff seat you at a table equipped with a built-in burner or a portable heat source. You choose your broth base—typically a choice between a mild seafood or chicken broth and a spicy Sichuan or chili-based option. Some locations offer a divided pot so two people can cook in different broths at the same time.

Next comes the ingredient selection. You receive a menu listing proteins (thinly sliced beef, lamb, pork, seafood), vegetables (leafy greens, mushrooms, root vegetables, tofu), starches (noodles, rice cakes), and sometimes prepared items like meatballs or fish cakes. You order what you want, and it arrives raw on separate plates. You then add pieces to the broth as you eat, cooking them for anywhere from a few seconds (for thin meat slices) to several minutes (for denser vegetables or noodles).

Dipping sauces sit on your table—usually a sesame-based sauce, a spicy chili oil, and sometimes a peanut sauce. You mix your own sauce in a small bowl and dip each cooked piece before eating. The entire experience is self-paced: you cook as fast or as slowly as you want, and you stop when you're full.

What to order and how much to expect to spend

Most hot pot restaurants, including Burnin 99, charge per person rather than per item. A typical per-person price ranges depending on the protein tier you choose—a basic option with chicken or pork costs less than a premium option with wagyu beef or seafood. The price usually includes unlimited access to vegetables, noodles, and broth refills, so you're not charged extra for how much you eat.

First-timers often underestimate how much food they'll consume because the cooking happens gradually. A reasonable approach is to order a moderate amount of protein and load up on vegetables and noodles, which are filling and lower in cost. If you're still hungry halfway through, you can order more.

Drinks are typically ordered separately and may include beer, wine, soft drinks, or tea. Some locations offer a house-made lemonade or other beverages designed to cool your mouth if the broth is spicy.

Best times to visit and how to reserve

Burnin 99 in Columbia tends to be busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, particularly between 6 and 8 p.m. If you're going with a group of four or more, calling ahead to reserve a table is worth doing—hot pot restaurants often have limited seating because each table needs a burner, and a reservation guarantees you won't wait 30 minutes or more.

Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 5:30 p.m.) are usually quieter and a good option if you want a more relaxed pace. Sunday through Thursday evenings are moderately busy but typically don't require a reservation for groups of two or three.

Check the restaurant's hours before you go, as hot pot restaurants sometimes close between lunch and dinner service or have limited hours on certain days.

What to bring and what to wear

Wear clothes you don't mind getting a slight smell from—the steam and broth can linger on fabric. An apron is usually provided, and some people wear a button-up shirt they can remove if needed. Avoid loose sleeves or dangling jewelry that could dip into the broth.

Bring an appetite and patience. The meal is interactive and slower than traditional dining, so go when you have time to enjoy the experience rather than when you're in a rush. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, call ahead to confirm which broths and ingredients are available, since cross-contamination can occur in a shared-broth environment.

Broth options and spice levels

Most hot pot restaurants offer at least two broth bases. A mild broth—often labeled "original," "classic," or "seafood"—is typically made from chicken, seafood, or a neutral vegetable stock and works well if you want to taste the natural flavors of the ingredients. A spicy broth usually contains Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, or both, and creates a numbing, tingling sensation on your mouth that many people find addictive.

If you're unsure about spice tolerance, start with the mild broth. You can always add chili oil or hot sauce to your dipping sauce to increase heat without overwhelming the entire meal. Some locations offer a divided pot so one person can cook in mild broth while another uses spicy broth at the same table.

Tips for first-timers

Cook thin slices of meat for only 5 to 10 seconds—they'll turn gray or brown very quickly and become tough if left in too long. Vegetables take longer, usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on thickness. Noodles typically need 2 to 3 minutes. If you're unsure, ask your server for guidance on timing.

Don't order everything at once. The ingredients arrive on separate plates, and your table will become crowded if you order too much at the beginning. Order in waves: start with some protein and vegetables, eat those, then order more. This also keeps the food fresher and gives you time to decide if you want different items.

Mix your dipping sauce in a small bowl before you start eating. Most people combine the sesame sauce with chili oil and a little bit of other sauces to create a custom blend. Taste it first—you can always add more heat or salt, but you can't remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hot pot good for people with dietary restrictions?

Hot pot can work for vegetarians (skip the meat, load up on vegetables and noodles), people avoiding gluten (confirm the broth and sauces are gluten-free), and those with allergies (you control what goes in your broth). Call ahead to discuss your specific needs, since cross-contamination in shared broths is possible and sauce ingredients vary by location.

How long does a hot pot meal usually take?

Plan for 60 to 90 minutes from the time you sit down to the time you leave. The cooking happens gradually as you add ingredients, and the experience is meant to be leisurely. If you're in a rush, hot pot isn't the best choice.

Can I go to hot pot alone?

Yes, though many restaurants design the experience for groups. A single diner can order a smaller portion and cook at their own pace. Some locations offer a smaller personal hot pot option, so ask when you arrive or call ahead.

What if I don't like spicy food?

Order the mild broth base and skip the chili oil in your dipping sauce. You'll still get the interactive cooking experience and the flavors of the proteins and vegetables. The mild broth is flavorful on its own and doesn't require heat.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations aren't required for small groups on quiet days, but they're strongly recommended for groups of four or more on weekends. Call the restaurant to check wait times before you arrive, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.