
Venba is an exceptional Adventure/Simulation that raises the bar for the genre.
90
Verdict
93%
Steam
87
IGDB
Verdict score based on confidence-adjusted Steam reviews?
Very Positive on Steam (93% positive from 3K reviews)
Critically acclaimed (87/100 critic average)
Compelling narrative and story
Outstanding soundtrack
No significant drawbacks reported
Venba is a narrative cooking video game developed and published by Visai Games. The story begins in 1988 and follows an immigrant Indian couple settling down in Canada and adjusting their day-to-day lives in the new environment. The player controls the titular character, Venba, an Indian woman who moves with her husband to Toronto, where they eventually have a son. The game draws heavily from Tamil culture and South Indian cuisine.

Runs well on modern hardware.
Last updated 22h ago
What if I cried? What if I was moved? What if I cry while making dinner tonight??? It's a good experience, callyourmom/10
[h1]Came for the Cooking, Stayed for the Story[/h1] A calm and relaxing game about a family of Indian immigrants in Canada. The game tells the story of this family over the years, showing the challenges they eventually face as they build a new life. It's short, though very cozy. Cooking here shows us how even everyday things, such as the smell and sound of food cooking, can instantly bring back memories. Along the way, you also discover South Indian culture through its cuisine and Tamil songs. And yeah, like many calm games, it can get really emotional. Venba shows love, choices, regrets, and even tragic events, such as loss. It also reminds us to appreciate who we are, what we have today, and where we came from, whether it's our culture or our family. At the same time, it quietly tells you, "You shouldn't be afraid to be yourself just because it's not 'normal.'" [hr][/hr] I loved how the game told a slow-paced story that could easily happen in real life. Throughout the game, I felt like I was living with this family, experiencing every event alongside them. It was as if someone was sharing their own story with me. For a small project like this, it can teach you a lot and quietly stay with you long after you finish it.
First playthrough review time. Venba is a short story-driven game where cooking is used as the main way of progressing through the experience. It follows a family adjusting to life in a new country while trying to hold on to their cultural roots through everyday routines and food traditions. The focus stays on small, personal moments shaped by daily life and relationships. The presentation is simple but has a clear artistic style. Each section has a slightly different tone, and the cooking parts are straightforward without feeling complex or demanding attention. The music carries a strong cultural influence and fits well with what is happening on screen. Nothing feels overdone, but everything is arranged in a steady way. I got this game from a third-party website for 0.68 dollars, and on Steam the all time low till date was 4.94 dollars. Overall, the game handles its themes in a simple way and stays respectful in the way it presents emotional moments. The cooking puzzles are simple and not repetitive, and the story stays the main focus while the gameplay is only used to continue the story. It also shows parts of Indian culture and food in a clear and natural way.
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