Tasty Titles: Best Food-Themed and Food-Adjacent Games

Food and video games have very little in common

At least, it probably seems that way from the outside looking in. But if we take a closer look at games, we can link some of the earliest of them to food. For example, the slot machine, a physical (and clunky) game that emerged in San Francisco in the early 1900s.

At the time of their invention, the spinning reels of symbols consisted largely of fruit. Fast forward over a century and even modern slots carry this legacy. One of the most popular choices of slot titles today is Sweet Bonanza, which is available on leading virtual casino sites. This popular game includes an ever-shifting reel of candy symbols, including fruits, lollipops, and gummies.

While players are focused on spinning the reel and matching up combinations to unlock bonuses and multipliers, the candy is an important part of the experience. And candy is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to video games that include food themes and food-adjacent topics.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best video games that touch on the culinary world.

Candy Crush Saga

Just like Sweet Bonanza, most gamers would recognize the gridded symbols in this iconic match-three game. Except here, players must match up corresponding symbols in order to keep the game moving. The better those combinations, the more points they earn. However, this game is extremely casual, meaning most players are looking to play in order to pass the time, not necessarily to keep trumping another player’s high score.

Good Pizza, Great Pizza

This simulation game has been a favorite for casual gamers for the last few years. In it, players must manage a pizzeria. The game starts out simple enough: create pizzas that match the customer’s orders. However, those orders start to get increasingly complex. On top of that, players must also interact with clients to create a positive pizzeria experience.

Cooking Mama

Cooking Mama is a bit of a legend when it comes to food-themed video games. This project hit shelves all the way back in 2006—and has managed to continue capturing players since then. The premise is to impart actual cooking techniques to players through minigames.

Like the title suggests, many of these games come from real-life recipes from mothers around the world. For casual gamers who want to pass the time, Cooking Mama provides all the intrigue and engagement of Good Pizza, Great Pizza. But beyond the realm of simulation, players can actually learn how to cook recipes in a digital format, making this game part learning tool.

Overcooked

Who says cooking games are all about casual fun? In Overcooked, players are tasked with operating a kitchen line with their friends. That’s right—just like in a real restaurant kitchen, you need to work seamlessly with those around you to get orders out on time (and make sure they’re edible).

If you’re looking for a dynamic and low-stakes multiplayer game, then look no further. Not only does the game have a cute visual design and a functional layout, but the challenges get zanier and zanier as the game goes on.

Chocolatier

Chocolate-lovers rejoice—this game takes you straight into the world of fanciful chocolatiers and their beautiful stores. Specifically, those from the 1800s. That historical element makes this game even more playable. Rather than simply craft delicious chocolates, players must also step into the shoes of a chocolate store owner, helping her uncover long-lost recipes while also making a profit.

If you’re on the hunt for a game that involves a heftier narrative, then this is a great choice for you.

Cooking Simulator

So far, we’ve touched on a few simulations—but only Cooking Mama actually grazes the real world thanks to its real-life recipes. But if you’re on the hunt for a realistic cooking simulator, look no further. As the title suggests, you’ll need to carefully sear, grill, flambé, and more. Want to actually work on your cooking skills? You can start here.