Hi, Emily (the writer) here. This game is actually inspired by my grandmother. I grew up with her cooking, and Chinese people don't really write down their recipes, they eyeball and improvise. Now that I'm an adult, I have no idea how to recreate any of her food, which makes me feel like I've lost a part of my cultural identity.
I have a nonexistent relationship with my parents, so while I've had an Asian American upbringing, nothing is tying me to my Asianness anymore. The food at restaurants tastes nothing like home. I can barely speak and understand mandarin. Through mourning the loss of my family, I am mourning the loss of myself.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I'm truly touched by your comment -- this is the reason I make games!