9 Cooking and Culinary Games to Enjoy Today!

Today, we at Um Gamer have selected some gastronomy-themed titles. Cooking in games is more than just following recipes. Whether you are cooking amidst chaos or listening to confessions at a tavern counter, these games combine creativity, management, humor, and even emotion into unique experiences.

Check out ten titles where food takes center stage!

Ale & Tale Tavern

Platforms: PC

Release Date: September 5, 2024

Developer: Scienart Games

Publisher: GrabTheGames, UpgradePoint

Ale & Tale Tavern lets you start as a tavern owner before diving straight into monster hunting. The game blends management with open-world exploration and leans into chaos to deliver its charm. Cook, serve customers, fish, take on random quests, and still have time to clean the tavern counter.

What stands out the most is the freedom. There’s no one right way to play. Want to relax, watch customers, and enjoy the music? Go for it. Prefer battling goblins deep in the forest? That’s an option too. Playing cooperatively with friends adds another layer of fun (and competition).

What makes Ale & Tale Tavern so compelling is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Cooking Simulator

Platforms: PC, Mobile, All Consoles

Release Date: June 6, 2019

Developer: Big Cheese Studio

Publisher: Big Cheese Studio, PlayWay S.A.

Cooking Simulator is the go-to game for those who love the idea of cooking but hate the mess afterward. You control a professional kitchen stocked with dozens of ingredients, an array of recipes, and endless opportunities for both creativity and chaos.

Miss your timing, burn food, slice things unevenly, or fling a pan at the ceiling: it's all part of the fun. Minor bugs and hilarious mishaps often turn into the most entertaining moments, adding a quirky charm to the experience.

It's perfect for anyone who wants to play chef without any pressure while enjoying some laugh-out-loud moments.

Bakery Simulator

Platforms: PC, All Consoles

Release Date: May 3, 2022

Developer: Live Motion Games

Publisher: Ultimate Games S.A., Gaming Factory

In Bakery Simulator, you take on the role of a baker (minus those early morning wake-up calls). Learn to make a variety of breads, manage customer orders, and deliver baked goods around town, all while enjoying a relaxed and repetitive pace (in a good way).

This is a game for disconnecting from the world, with intuitive controls and a predictable but therapeutic routine. Instead of constant surprises, you get consistent, calming gameplay.

The only real stress you might face? Avoiding over-proofed dough.

Epic Chef

Platforms: PC, All Consoles

Release Date: November 11, 2021

Developer: Infinigon Games

Publisher: Team17

Epic Chef serves an absurd mix of cooking, adventure, and humor. You play as Zest, a chef working to rebuild his life, grow ingredients, craft outrageous dishes, and challenge rivals in over-the-top cooking duels.

The dialogues are packed with jokes, absurd situations, and wacky charm. Nothing in this game is conventional, and that’s what makes it stand out. Creating odd gadgets and recipes that defy logic is all part of the fun.

If you’re looking for something quirky and offbeat, this may be exactly what you need.

Venba

Platforms: PC, All Consoles

Release Date: July 31, 2023

Developer: Visai Games

Publisher: Visai Games

Venba is a short yet impactful game. You follow the story of an Indian immigrant mother living in 1980s Canada, trying to preserve her family’s culture through food.

Venba is more than just a recipe game. It touches on themes of belonging, memory, and familial connection. Its simple gameplay mechanics are balanced by the emotional depth it delivers.

With its stunning visuals, memorable soundtrack, and poignant narrative, Venba is more of an experience than just a game.

Dave the Diver

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: June 28, 2023

Developer: MINTROCKET

Publisher: MINTROCKET

Dave the Diver is anything but predictable. One moment you’re deep-sea fishing, and the next you’re managing a bustling sushi restaurant. The game seamlessly combines multiple gameplay styles, all while maintaining a fun and engaging experience.

With battles against sea creatures, farming mechanics, and entertaining minigames, this game keeps you on your toes. The fast pace and charming characters make it all the more enjoyable. Dave’s multitasking abilities are what keep this adventure exciting.

It’s a wild ride that never fails to surprise.

Tavern Talk

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: June 20, 2024

Developer: Gentle Troll Entertainment

Publisher: Gentle Troll Entertainment

Tavern Talk is perfect for those seeking a slower pace. In this game, your role isn’t to fight monsters or save the world... you spend your time listening to stories, serving magical drinks, and exploring a richly detailed fantasy world.

Every interaction with customers affects the story’s progression, and your choices shape how relationships unfold. With beautiful artwork and a soothing soundtrack, the game leaves you nostalgic for its characters once you're done.

Great for anyone who loves immersive storytelling, a calm tempo, and a sprinkle of magic.

Overcooked! 2

Platforms: PC, All Consoles

Release Date: August 7, 2018

Developer: Ghost Town Games Ltd., Team17

Publisher: Team17

Overcooked! 2 is pure chaos in the form of a cooperative cooking game. You and your friends must work together to cook and serve dishes, all while dealing with conveyor belts, sudden fires, and the general mayhem on each level.

The magic is in the madness. Each stage throws new challenges at you, and coordinating with your team is both hilarious and challenging.

It’s perfect for fans of multiplayer gaming who want to laugh their way through panic-filled kitchens.

Good Pizza, Great Pizza

Platforms: PC, Mobile, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: January 6, 2023

Developer: TapBlaze

Publisher: TapBlaze

Good Pizza, Great Pizza keeps things simple: you make pizzas and ensure your customers are happy. But beyond its straightforward premise, the game offers a cozy pace, charming visuals, and an array of quirky characters.

The customer orders are often unexpected, and you can customize nearly every aspect of your shop. There’s no rush or heavy pressure, just the calm rhythm of preparing pizzas and slowly upgrading your pizzeria.

Although there are microtransactions, they don’t interfere with the experience. It’s an excellent casual game for players who prefer gaming at their own pace.

From burnt bread to touching narratives and zany restaurants, these cooking-themed games prove that virtual kitchens can be far more creative and entertaining than you’d expect. You can unwind, laugh, reflect, or even embrace the chaos.

So, which of these games caught your eye? Hopefully, one of these suggestions makes it onto your gaming menu. See you next time!