After playing Kebab Chefs! for a few days, I can honestly say this game is a mix of pure chaos and unexpected fun. It’s a co-op cooking and restaurant management game where up to four players can team up, design their own restaurant, and try to run the biggest kebab place in town. But don’t be fooled—it’s not as simple as flipping meat and serving happy customers. This game throws curveballs at you, and it’s up to you to adapt (or laugh at your failures).
First Impressions
At first, I thought I was in for a chill cooking experience, but nope! Kebab Chefs is as unpredictable as it gets. One moment you’re grilling kebabs, and the next, you’re dealing with food that’s either overcooked, glitched, or thrown away because a customer changed their mind. The tutorial? It explains some basics, like buying ingredients or fixing broken equipment, but it skips over key things like how freezers work or why you need separate serving counters for different dishes. Figuring out these mechanics on your own is frustrating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s rewarding.
Gameplay
This game is all about preparation. I learned the hard way that opening the restaurant without prepping beforehand is a disaster waiting to happen. Customers flood in, and if you’re not ready, it’s chaos. Eventually, I figured out it’s smarter to cook in bulk the night before, freeze meals, and reheat them during service. Once I started doing that, things ran a lot smoother.
The cooking process itself is detailed—you’ll grill, slice, season, and plate everything to perfection. But don’t let the game’s title fool you. You hardly make kebabs; most of the menu includes random dishes like steaks, chicken wings, and even raspberry pie.
The customers, though, are tough. They’ll get angry if food isn’t hot enough or served quickly. And when they’re upset, they don’t just leave—they stomp out like you’ve personally offended them. It’s hilarious and stressful at the same time.
What Makes It Fun
What keeps me coming back is the sheer unpredictability. Even when things go wrong—like serving slightly overcooked bacon or forgetting a side dish—it’s all part of the charm. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither should you. Plus, you can fully decorate your restaurant, which adds a personal touch and breaks up the chaos.
Another highlight is the option to gamble your earnings at a nearby bar. While I didn’t risk too much of my hard-earned cash, it’s a quirky feature that adds to the game’s personality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fun and chaotic gameplay
- Lots of customization for your restaurant
- Detailed cooking mechanics
- A sense of progression with new recipes and challenges
Cons:
- Full of glitches (but they’re often more funny than annoying)
- The tutorial misses key details
- Limited character customization (why can’t I play as a girl?)
- Customers’ reactions can feel random at times
Final Thoughts
Kebab Chefs!: Despite its flaws, I’d recommend Kebab Chefs! to anyone who enjoys a mix of cooking sims and pure mayhem. The bugs don’t ruin the experience—they add to its quirky charm. Compared to similar games like Overcooked, it’s less polished but offers more depth in managing your restaurant. If you’re willing to laugh at the chaos and embrace the glitches, this game is a solid choice for co-op fun or even solo play. – Tom Henry
Would I play it again? Definitely, though I’d love to see some updates to smooth out the rough edges. And next time, I’ll make sure I’m fully prepped before opening my doors!
