I’ve learned a lot from living alone, but one of the most unexpected things I’ve discovered to be entertaining and useful is playing online food games.
One of the most difficult things for me when I first moved out on my own was cooking. I could prepare the essentials, like toast, pasta, and eggs, but I was a little lost when it came to meal planning and picking up new skills. At that point, I discovered culinaryschool.org which offers over 150 online games that have proven to be a fun and stress-free method of improving your cooking skills.
Initially, it served only as a diversion. I would look for games on food and see what came up. Some focused on managing a food truck or producing elaborate meals, while others were about operating a virtual restaurant. However, I soon discovered that a lot of these games allowed me to learn the basics of cooking in an enjoyable, practical manner—without having to worry about failing.
Here are some of my favorite games:

Who in the world doesn’t know Spongebob? Kids and kids at heart will enjoy Spongebob Squarepants Krabby Patty Crisis because of their familiarity with the yellow character who lives in a pineapple under the sea. The game is pretty straightforward and extra challenging especially the mode where Mr. Krabs crosses the screen the whole time to make your game complicated. Players’ accuracy will be tested because of its difficulty.

Recycling is fun when Tom and Jerry are on your team. The mechanics of
Tom and Jerry show River Recycle are simple yet the goals are easier said than done. Imagine increasing the number of trash you’ll have to pick up at each level that you progress which seems to be impossible. But, if you keep trying and pushing yourself to do better, you’ll eventually make it. I had to give it a rest at level 3 for the moment, but I’ll sure be back. The game will keep you on your toes.

3D Fruit words may be basic but it’s perfect to ease boredom. The time limit set for each level will keep you awake. You’ll be surprised how many fruits there are and discover how similar they are to each other. You’ll have to be certain about the fruit or else you’ll be spending time spelling the wrong one.
Fruit Sorting tests your accuracy as it displays your accuracy after every game. The satisfaction of improving your accuracy appears to be more of a challenge as the game goes further. It starts with 2 fruits then adds two more in the middle of the game. Using the mouse to play this can develop hand-eye coordination.
Up Next is
Grocery Cashier. Getting behind the grocery counter might sound like a no-brainer, however, with the time limit set, the task at hand seems to be more difficult than it appears. The application makes you realize how enjoyable or stressful the job is based on how you perceive it. It gives a rough simulation of the actual job which can be quite entertaining.
Burger Maker, as the name suggests is indeed as simple as making a burger. As usual, time makes the task almost impossible to achieve. Fulfilling a specific order can be done if you’re focused. Playing the game gave me ideas of what burger I would do next time I have hunger pangs in the middle of the night. I didn’t know there could be a variety of ingredients involved in making one.
I saved the best for last.
Milk for Cat requires creativity and tactics. Cutting the rope simply isn’t cutting it. The game is addicting and relatable because I do have a cat that I always feed. Watching the cat smile after accomplishing a mission is a relief. While some levels require just cutting the rope, other ones need you to use your IQ more. I’m glad the game allows you to repeat the same level where you’re at until you succeed and not restart at the very first one.
Despite its difficulties, living alone has allowed me the freedom to learn at my chosen pace. Cooking has become a fascinating adventure thanks to the culinary school.org food games I’ve played.