5 Best Games Like Venba

Venba coming to Xbox Game Pass has single-handedly managed to rekindle a few thousand tastebuds off the back of its rich Tamil-inspired roots. It isn’t the first to ignite a passion for the culinary arts, either, what with the streaming platform housing not one — but dozens of indie gems, all of which pay homage to the realm of hearty storytelling and unbreakable morals. There are a few, in particular, that you should definitely check out the next time you get the chance to roam the library, too.

Anyway, if you have recently swept through Venba, and are wanting to explore something that hits all the same high notes, then be sure to read on. Here are five of the best alternatives to Venba in 2023.

5. A Memoir Blue

Cultural differences aside, A Memoir Blue taps into all the same parental and emotional themes as Venba, and with them at hand, creates a heartwarming interactive adventure that touches base on several important issues and morals. Granted, it isn’t the longest game in the world, as it only clocks roughly an hour or two in total. For what it’s worth, though, the episodic journey is still one of the homeliest you’ll ever experience. It isn’t half bad for earning a few quick achievements, either — which is a boon in itself.

A Memoir Blue tells the tale of an adult woman who’s drawn to her childhood memories—episodic tales that depict her and her mother’s core values and aspirations. Separated by life’s challenges and the need to blossom, the woman takes it upon herself to venture back to the world that meant the most many, many decades ago — to an island, of all places, where her mother once gifted her a memory that would go on to stay with her for the rest of her life. Cue the emotions.

4. Potion Craft

If it wasn’t the hearty storytelling that won you over in Venba, then perhaps it was its cooking-based puzzle-solving elements. If that’s the case, then you’ll definitely get a kick out of Potion Craft, a cook-and-brew simulator that sees you taking on the role of an alchemist in a medieval fantasy world. As the owner of such a niche profession, you must develop a bond with the locals and transform your little shack into the heart of the community.

Gameplay in Potion Craft isn’t all that different from Venba; you acquire ingredients, herbs and spices, and blend them together to make exciting new elixirs for the people around you. There isn’t a deep connection between the provider and the consumer, as such, but there’s definitely a whole lot of lore to unravel and twice as many opportunities to experiment. So, if you enjoy mixing things together and formulating powerful new recipes, then be sure show Potion Craft some love the next time you’re browsing through the Game Pass catalog.

3. Thirsty Suitors

Technically, this one hasn’t come out yet. That said, as far as near-perfect alternatives to Venba go, the upcoming Thirsty Suitors is definitely one to keep an eye out for. Why? Well, for starters it casts its focus on the cultural aspects of South India—a world in itself that players will be invited to explore while also having to compete in various mini-games and culinary traditions. So again, if you enjoyed the cooking elements that featured in Venba, then you’ll definitely have something to look forward to with this one.

Cooking episodes aside, Thirsty Suitors also makes room for fast-paced combat, skateboarding, and even some open-world exploration, all of which can be experienced under the guise of Jala, a local who’s been forced to return to her hometown of Timber Falls to reconcile with her parents, and tie loose ends with her former partners. And if you think that sounds like a lot to take on board, then wait till you get a load of the mood system. You can see it all for yourself when Thirsty Suitors comes to consoles and PC on November 2, 2023.

2. Unpacking

Unpacking certainly doesn’t deliver the same emotional impact as what’s showcased in Venba, but it does, however, explore the love of growth all the same. It’s a charming little number, we’ll give it that, as the entire purpose behind it, really, is to allow players the chance to, well, unpack. And we’re not talking about shedding some emotional burden or anything as deep as that — but literally unpacking items, trinkets, and household goods. That’s really all there is to it, and it’s arguably one of the most wholesome indies you’ll ever lay eyes on.

It isn’t a puzzle game, as such, but more of an opportunity to flex your creative muscles. The idea behind it is simple: move through the years of an everyday person—from their childhood to their retirement—and arrange their living spaces. From a children’s den to a college dorm, an office space to a forever home — Unpacking has you watching over a life from beginning to end, and does all of its storytelling not in the form of conversation, but the undying art of Feng Shui.

1. Cooking Simulator

Cooking Simulator is exactly what it says it is on the tin: a virtual cooking experience that lets you toy around with exciting recipes to create your very own dishes. Sure enough, there are important orders to fill and general upgrades to the kitchen to be made, but for the most part, it’s entirely up to you and your ability to create quality food that gets the gears in motion and the tastebuds tingling.

As you’d expect from a game named Cooking Simulator, there isn’t a story behind it, but more a sandbox mode that lets you cook till your heart’s content. There’s an entire pantry of ingredients, and not to mention a book full of tasty recipes to try out. So, if it’s a hearty cooking sim you want — then look no further.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up any of the above five alternatives? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.