Yum Sushi Burrito & Poke in Columbia — Fresh Poke Bowls and Sushi Burritos

What Yum Sushi Burrito & Poke Offers

Yum Sushi Burrito & Poke is a casual counter-service restaurant in Columbia that specializes in customizable poke bowls and sushi burritos. You order at the counter, choose your base (sushi rice, brown rice, or salad), select your protein and toppings, and watch your bowl or burrito come together. The menu leans toward fresh, raw fish preparations, though cooked options are available if you prefer them.

The restaurant's appeal lies in the build-your-own format. Unlike a traditional sushi restaurant where you order from a fixed menu, Yum lets you control what goes into your bowl or burrito. This works well if you have preferences about which fish you want, how much wasabi you like, or whether you want extra avocado. The space is designed for quick service — you're not sitting down for a multi-course meal, but rather grabbing something fresh and eating it at one of the small tables or taking it with you.

Key Takeaways

• Yum Sushi Burrito & Poke lets you build your own poke bowl or sushi burrito by choosing your base, protein, and toppings at the counter.
• The restaurant offers both raw fish options and cooked proteins, so you can order what suits your comfort level with sushi.
• Poke bowls typically cost less than sushi burritos and are ready faster, making them a good choice if you're in a hurry.
• The restaurant is located in Columbia and operates as a casual, counter-service spot rather than a full-service dining room.

How to Order a Poke Bowl

Start by choosing your base: sushi rice, brown rice, or a bed of mixed greens. Sushi rice is the traditional choice and pairs well with most toppings. Brown rice works if you want a nuttier flavor or prefer whole grains. Salad is the lightest option and cuts down on carbohydrates.

Next, pick your protein. Raw options usually include ahi tuna, salmon, or octopus. If you're not comfortable with raw fish, ask what cooked proteins are available — many poke spots offer shrimp, crab, or cooked tuna. Then layer on your toppings: cucumber, avocado, seaweed salad, edamame, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger are common choices. The staff will ask about sauce — soy-based, spicy mayo, and ponzu are typical options. You can request multiple sauces or ask for sauce on the side.

Sushi Burritos vs. Poke Bowls

A sushi burrito is essentially a poke bowl wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed) and sometimes a thin crepe, then cut in half. The advantage is portability — you can eat it with your hands without a fork, and it's easier to take with you. The disadvantage is that the nori can get soggy if you don't eat it right away, and the burrito format limits how much you can fit inside compared to a bowl.

A poke bowl gives you more room for toppings and stays fresh longer because the ingredients aren't wrapped. You eat it with a fork at a table or standing up. Bowls are usually cheaper than burritos at most restaurants, and they're faster to prepare. If you're ordering to go and plan to eat within 20 minutes, either works. If you're eating later or want maximum toppings, a bowl is the better choice.

What to Know About Freshness and Safety

Poke is made with raw fish, which means freshness matters. Reputable poke restaurants source their fish from suppliers who handle it for raw consumption and keep it at proper temperatures. Yum Sushi Burrito & Poke, like other established poke spots in Columbia, should be storing fish at 41°F or below and using it within a day or two of delivery.

If you're pregnant, nursing, very young, elderly, or have a compromised immune system, raw fish carries a small risk of foodborne illness. In those cases, ask about cooked protein options or skip the raw fish entirely. If you have any doubt about the restaurant's practices, you can call ahead and ask how they source and store their fish — legitimate restaurants are happy to answer.

Pricing and What to Expect

Poke bowls at casual counter-service spots in South Carolina typically range from $12 to $16, depending on the protein and number of toppings. Premium proteins like yellowtail or specialty combinations cost more. Sushi burritos usually run $2 to $4 higher. Sides like edamame or miso soup, if available, add another $3 to $5.

Most places charge the same price whether you eat in or take out. Some offer combo deals that bundle a bowl with a drink or side. Ask if Yum has any specials or loyalty programs — many casual sushi spots offer punch cards or discounts for repeat customers. Prices can vary slightly by location if the restaurant has multiple branches.

Location and Hours in Columbia

Yum Sushi Burrito & Poke operates in Columbia, though specific address and hours change. Before you visit, search for the restaurant online or call ahead to confirm the current location, hours of operation, and whether they're taking walk-in orders or have any temporary closures. Many casual restaurants adjust their hours seasonally or for holidays.

If you're planning to order ahead for pickup, most counter-service sushi spots can prepare your bowl or burrito in 10 to 15 minutes. Calling 15 to 20 minutes before you want to pick it up usually works well. Some restaurants also offer delivery through third-party apps, though the quality can suffer slightly during transport because the nori or rice can absorb moisture.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

Poke bowls are naturally flexible for different diets. If you're vegetarian or vegan, you can build a bowl with tofu, edamame, cucumber, avocado, and seaweed salad instead of fish. Gluten-free diners should ask about soy sauce — traditional soy contains wheat, but tamari is a gluten-free alternative. Brown rice or salad bases are naturally gluten-free; sushi rice sometimes contains sugar and vinegar but is usually safe for gluten-free diets.

If you have a shellfish allergy, avoid any bowl with crab, shrimp, or octopus, and ask whether the restaurant uses shared utensils or cutting boards for different proteins. Nut allergies are less common in poke, but sesame seeds are frequent, so mention any seed or nut concerns when ordering. The counter staff should be able to tell you which toppings contain allergens or can be left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is poke the same as sushi?

Poke is cubed raw fish served in a bowl with rice and toppings, while sushi is typically rolled in nori and sliced. Both use raw fish, but poke is simpler and faster to prepare. You don't need the rolling skill or equipment that sushi requires, which is why poke restaurants can operate as quick counter-service spots.

What if I don't like raw fish?

Ask about cooked proteins when you order. Many poke restaurants offer cooked shrimp, crab, or grilled chicken as substitutes. You build your bowl the same way — just with cooked protein instead of raw. The bowl will taste different, but it's a legitimate option if raw fish isn't for you.

Can I order a poke bowl with multiple proteins?

Most restaurants allow you to mix proteins, though you may pay extra for a second protein or get a smaller portion of each. Ask the staff what the policy is before you order. Some places charge a flat rate for any combination; others charge per protein.

How long does a poke bowl stay fresh if I take it home?

Eat it within an hour of pickup for the best quality. Raw fish and sushi rice are both best consumed fresh. If you're taking it home and won't eat it right away, ask for sauce on the side so the rice doesn't get soggy, and keep it in a cool place. Don't leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.

Do I need to tip at a counter-service poke restaurant?

Most counter-service restaurants have a tip jar or a tip option on the card reader. Tipping is not required, but many people leave $1 to $2 or round up to the nearest dollar. If the staff goes out of their way to customize your order or make special requests, a tip is a nice way to show appreciation.