When I first found a copy of Cooking Mama for the Nintendo DS, I was instantly
hooked. It was cute, quirky and a great way to pass periods of boredom.
However, when the initial novelty wore off and I was soon left with a strange
and difficult little game.
Many of the games cooking steps require numerous attempts that would cause the
average gamer hours of frustration (especially if you have just finished 10
steps in a row, just to miss the final step and have to restart the recipe
all over again!? ^-^;;)
When looked for help, I didn't find much. Many others seemed to be just as lost
as I. So I decided to create a guide that may aid my fellow chefs master
each step in all 76 recipes. I hope that by the end of this guide, you will
truly be...
Just as skilled as Mama! ;)
- Krystal M.
<**>=========<*>=========<**>
Cooking Mechanics
<**>========[003]========<**>
This guide is written in the following manner:
Difficulty
------------------
This is my personal rating on how difficult the step is out of 10. 1 is
simple, 5 is average and 10 is advanced.
Summary
------------------
A quick summary of what mechanics is involved in the step.
In Depth
------------------
In depth look at the task with steps to master it.
Tips
------------------
Any other tips I may have found that will make the step easier.
Chop [03a]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
Chopping is one of the most common steps in Cooking Mama. Good thing it's so
simple ;) It's basically used for dicing (cutting into smaller pieces)
vegetables.
In Depth
------------------
Rapidly tap the knife until the meter is full.
Tips
------------------
+ Begin tapping before the timer starts to create a rhythm.
Slice [03b]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
Slicing is another very simple step that you will come across often. Really
if you have played any other DS game - you would have already mastered it ;)
In Depth
------------------
Follow the lines that appear on the touch screen with the stylus.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Cut [03c]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
8/10
Summary
------------------
Unlike chopping & slicing, cutting can be quite difficult to master. Most of
the time you will only just make your last cut as the timer finishes. So be
prepared for some fast movements.
In Depth
------------------
Within the blue handle of the knife, rapidly move the stylus up and down.
Take the stylus off the screen each time a slice is cut and start on the
next.
Tips
------------------
+ Try to stay within the blue handle of the knife as this will shorten the
length of each stroke - thus reducing time.
+ Meat is harder to cut than vegetables - practice before hand.
Add [03d]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
The only excuse you would have if you failed this step is if you were
Colour-blind ;) Seriously, this is a very simple task that really only relies
on colour.
In Depth
------------------
Watch the pixilated image and choose an ingredient to add to the bowl.
Sometimes you will encounter similar looking ingredients - this is the only
times you may need to wait a little while until the image starts to clear up.
Tips
------------------
+ If you know what the next ingredient is, you can pick it up and hold it as
soon as you drop the last item into the bowl.
Mix [03e]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
6/10
Summary
------------------
Mixing is another common step you'll come across in your recipes. Your aim is
to spin the bowl (clock-wise or anti-clockwise) until the meter reaches the
dark green area in the bar.
In Depth
------------------
Begin spinning the bowl quickly when the timer starts. When you see the meter
reach about half way into the light green area, stop spinning. If you were
spinning fast enough, the momentum will carry the meter to the dark green
area.
If it goes past or doesn't reach it, tip the bowl a little to stay in
place until time runs out.
Tips
------------------
+ Supposedly, if you’re right-handed, spinning clockwise can be easier than
anti-clockwise. Reverse if your left-handed :p
Knead [03f]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
2/10
Summary
------------------
Kneading is the simple art of following directions quickly. But then again,
that goes for every step in Cooking Mama ;)
In Depth
------------------
Use the stylus to follow the directions shown on the screen until the meter
is full. The directions are either: diagonal left-down, diagonal right-down
or anti-clockwise.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Shape [03g]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
8/10
Summary
------------------
Basically, shaping requires you to just drag your stylus between the 2 hands
shown. Sounds simple, no? Well if you follow that method, you'll only ever get
a silver medal. You need precision, rhythm and a fast hand to truly master
this step.
In Depth
------------------
I used to be able to do this step flawlessly, until I suddenly lost my touch
(no, I don't mean my stylus ;)). Sometimes the response time dragging between
the 2 hands was a little off, and the rhythm I had built up was lost. I
recommend practicing this step until you are quite confident...
Quick, short strokes (try not to remove the stylus from the screen) right to
left is the way to go. Good luck ;)
Tips
------------------
+ I keep saying this but a rhythm will really help you in this step. Random
tapping will only lead to silver...
Saute [03h]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
10/10
Summary
------------------
Sauteing is the art of lightly frying ingredients - an easy task in real life.
Not so much in Cooking Mama land as you must have all ingredients ready at
the same time. This step causes problems for many people as it relies solely
on guess work (or beforehand knowledge from a practice session).
Your aim is to cook the items long enough for double circles to appear on each
of them. Cook the items too long and you will loose a circle (silver medal) or
gain a cross (bronze medal).
In Depth
------------------
Sauteing can be summed up in 5 simple rules:
1) The smaller/finely chopped the item is, the faster it will cook.
2) Meat usually takes the longest to cook.
3) After adding an ingredient, wait approx. 3 seconds before adding the next.
4) Stir constantly!
5) And lastly - Practice Beforehand!!!
When your saute session begins, look to the top of the screen. The order of
the items that are shown - is the order that you should add them to the fry
pan.
Example
--------
The top screen shows these ingredients: Pork, Carrot, Onion
You would add the Pork, count 3 seconds and add the carrot. Then another 3
seconds before the onion is thrown in.
If you see puffs of smoke, it means you need to stir the items. I tend to keep
the ingredients always moving, because leaving them in one place means faster
cooking speed (not a good thing if 2 items are ready, when one isn't ;)).
In all honesty, there really is no clear method to sauteing. Some of the rules
I've stated above can be overruled and/or broken in some cases (see: large
onions & bamboo shoots :p). The best way to get gold is to practice the step
before hand.
Tips
------------------
+ I've said it before, I'll say it again: practice, Practice, PRACTICE! :)
Summary
------------------
Saute: Flipping is actually quite easy compared to normal sauteing. As long as
you keep the pan moving, you'll win gold :)
In Depth
------------------
Use the stylus to move the handle up and down and don't stop until the
timer runs out. That's it. If you have to add some ingredients while flipping,
add them one at a time. That is, Flip - Add - Flip - Add.
Summary
------------------
Making a stew, boiling ingredients or pan frying items all involve the same
steps: either you will be adding ingredients, blowing, stirring, tapping or
raising/lowering the temperature.
In Depth
------------------
Watch the top screen to see moving bars. When the bar reaches the meter it
will turn green. This is the correct time to perform the action it says. Here
is a break down of each action:
Adding: Simply touch the item on the right hand side when the bar is turns
green. If you have more than one item to add, add them in order (top to
bottom) and wait till the next 'Add' bar comes along.
Stir: Touch the ladle inside the pot and drag the stylus down to stir.
Blowing: Blow into the mic when the bar turns green.
Tapping: Tapping bars are usually very small, so hover your stylus above the
item your about to tap until you get the green light.
Raising/Lowering temperature: Hold onto the knob of the temperature control
before the (Low, Medium, High) bar reaches the meter as it will be quicker to
move when the bar reaches green.
If you complete all actions within the action time limit, you'll earn a Gold
Medal.
Silver medal will occur if you are too quick completing an action (that
is, a few microseconds ahead of a green bar).
If you complete an action too late or if you miss it all together, you will
automatically FAIL this task and receive the bronze medal.
Tips
------------------
+ For the blowing action: blow into the mic before the bar reaches the meter
to make things easier.
Deep Fry [03k]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
7/10
Summary
------------------
Since there is no timer, this step can be taken at your leisure. However don't
relax too much as deep frying is often the last task in a recipe and one
mistake will take you right back to square one ;)
In Depth
------------------
Firstly, 3 quick points:
1) Cook items ONE AT A TIME.
2) Smaller items will cook faster than larger ones.
3) There is no time limit!
Place the item into the deep fryer and wait until it floats to the top. Next,
watch the item until it turns one shade darker (usually, from pale yellow to
lightly golden). Quickly, remove the item and place it on the lower tray and
start on the next one.
Tips
------------------
+ I know some of you are in a hurry to finish a recipe - believe me, I've been
there. But I can't stress enough the 'One at a time' rule. You don't know
how quickly things can unravel if you add too many items at the same time.
And besides, there really is no point since there isn't a time limit ;)
Measure [03l]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
3/10
Summary
------------------
Easy enough task. To fill a pot to the green line :)
In Depth
------------------
Touch the red tab to start filling your cup with either rice or water. The
closer you get to the green line, the smaller the increments you should add.
Tips
------------------
+ When you start nearing the green line - try using the smallest increment to
top you up.
Summary
------------------
I'm going to be honest here: if you can't get a gold medal on this task, put
your DS down and go look for a nice hole under a rock somewhere to spend the
remainder of your pitiful existence :p
In Depth
------------------
Sarcasm aside, touch the butter/lard and move it around the pan. 50% coverage
and you'll get the gold medal.
Tips
------------------
+ What? You really need a tip here?! Fine.
Lard is disgusting. Use butter instead XD
Grate [03n]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
What an odd looking grater, no? Well...it's odd to me ;) Probably not to
people living in Japan though, but to me anyway! This is a simple task of
grating a vegetable as quickly as possible.
In Depth
------------------
Drag the vegetable left and right as quickly as possible to start grating. Tap
the build up when ever it needs it.
Tips
------------------
+ You don't need to grate the entire vegetable. Just move as quickly as
possible and the gold medal will be yours!
Folding [03o]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
7/10
Summary
------------------
Folding is commonly found in pastry recipes. The concept is rather simple -
but you'll need a quick hand to get the gold medal.
In Depth
------------------
Follow the directions shown with the stylus, to prepare the item. Sometimes
you will need to add ingredients before hand and/or wet a side of the item to
carry on. Speed is the answer to this question...erm, task :p
Tips
------------------
N/A
Tear [03p]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
2/10
Summary
------------------
You'll either be tearing Lettuce or Cabbage in Cooking Mama. Either way, they
are both simple.
In Depth
------------------
Use the stylus to draw short, straight lines left and right away from
the vegetable.
Tips
------------------
+ Straight lines are the only way to go. If you try and pull diagonally, you
will end up breaking the leaves.
Summary
------------------
I used to hate peeling vegetables (same deal in real life too ;)). The game
seems to make peeling unnecessarily difficult by segmenting the peeling into 5
parts. Fortunately, I have found a method to tackling this tricky task...
In Depth
------------------
Start on the far most left, then draw short quick strokes down (removing all
of 1 strip before moving onto the next). Try to concentrate on the 3 main
parts, before tackling the smaller ones.
Tips
------------------
+ Try not to take the stylus of the screen when peeling - it will make things
a hell of a lot easier.
Peel Hot Potatoes [03r]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
8/10
Summary
------------------
Like many other tasks in Cooking Mama, this one relies on speed: to peel a hot
potato without burning your hand.
Why you can't wear gloves, god only knows... :p
In Depth
------------------
When the timer starts, place a potato on the hand and use the stylus to draw
diagonal strokes on each corner of the potato. As long as your quick enough,
you should get all 4 done without any accidents.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Cracking Eggs [03s]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
2/10
Summary
------------------
To crack an egg, you must hit it (with some force) against the side of the
bowl. It's quite hard to offer help on this task as it relies on the force of
the player, so keep that in mind...
In Depth
------------------
Using the stylus, drag the egg diagonally right to left with medium force. 3
hits should crack the egg, in which case, quickly position it over the bowl.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Beat Eggs [03t]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
5/10
Summary
------------------
Cooking Mama has an unusual method to beating eggs. One would assume a whisk
would be the best way to go about doing this, but no! Spinning the bowl
clock-wise and back the other way is this games tried and true method ;)
In Depth
------------------
When the timer starts, quickly spin either clock-wise or anti-clockwise. Once
the bowl starts spinning - STOP! Begin to spin in the reverse direction. Keep
repeating this method until the eggs are a dark yellow.
If the mixture bubbles, you have spun in one direction for too long, thus
failing the task.
Summary
------------------
There is only one recipe in the game that you will need to perform this task,
so don't worry too much if you can't master it, you won't need it again ;)
In Depth
------------------
Using the stylus, rapidly tap the shell until faint lines appear. Follow the
lines around till you complete a section. Tap it to remove it.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Separate Yolk [03v]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
3/10
Summary
------------------
Separating the yolk from the egg whites is a rather easy task. I of course
failed it the first time through (I thought I just had to pass the yolk back
and forth ^^;;). To surpass this task, you must drag the shells close enough
to pass the yolk, but far enough away to drop the egg whites.
In Depth
------------------
Using the stylus, drag the egg shell indicated to a couple of centimetres (a
little less that an inch) away from the other shell. You should easily pass
the yolk to the other shell while dropping quite a bit of egg white.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Weighing [03w]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
5/10
Summary
------------------
This task is based on trial and error. You must remove portions of meat from
the scale until it shows the required amount. It is difficult to describe a
fool-proof method, as it differs on how large a portion the player removes.
So keep that in mind...
In Depth
------------------
Start off drawing large circles/ovals to remove the meat. As the number
decreases, make the size of the circles smaller.
Tips
------------------
+ Like many other tasks, practice beforehand until your confident with your
circling.
Stuffing [03x]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
10/10
Summary
------------------
Stuffing. This is, in my opinion the hardest task off all.
The basic premise is to separate portions of meat/rice from the bowl and use
it in the recipe. The problem is your MUST separate the correct portion each
time. Too much or not enough equals automatic failure.
The fact that the stuffing process is often found at the end of the long
series of steps in the recipe makes things even more frustrating.
There really is only way to conquer this task: PRACTICE.
In Depth
------------------
This is the only method that managed to get me gold medals in those 3 recipes.
Go into practice mode and repeat the following until your confident:
Begin by circling (medium circle/oval) in the middle of the bowl first. Then
circle the top half of the bowl, then the bottom. If you have taken the
correct amount each time (not too little or over fill), then all that's left
are the 2 sides of the bowl - which should have perfect amounts.
Tips
------------------
+ Practice mode was created for this task - use it ;)
Rolling [03y]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
5/10
Summary
------------------
Rolling is quite a tricky task to some, even through it doesn't occur that
frequently in the game. Basically, you must take control of a rolling pin and
try to roll the dough out to the correct size.
In Depth
------------------
Start either rolling right to left or up and down and stick to that direction
until you have reached square corners. The dough must be touching the corners
to get the gold medal.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Coat [03z]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
2/10
Summary
------------------
Coating items are simple in this game. With a flour pat and a dunk in beaten
egg, you shouldn't have any problems.
In Depth
------------------
Tap a piece of meat to move it to the flour tray. Drag the item right to left,
using quick, short strokes. Next move to the beaten egg bowl. Spin the bowl a
couple of times and the item should be ready.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Crumbed [3aa]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
7/10
Summary
------------------
Crumbed foods are usually quite tasty, especially if they are deep fried after
wards ;) To get through this task in Cooking Mama's kitchen, you really only
need one thing - speed.
In Depth
------------------
When the timer starts, quickly start tapping random areas on the meat. After
15 or so taps, turn the meat over and repeat on the other side.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Tenderize Meat [3ab]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
Time to tenderize some meat! A very easy task as all you need to do is: Tap!
In Depth
------------------
Tap randomly over the meat until the meter becomes full.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Flavouring [3ac]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
You may be thinking your having a little deja vu - but no! Flavouring meat
involves the exact same process as tenderizing. Tap-pa Tap-pa Ta-pa...
In Depth
------------------
Tap randomly over the meat until the meter becomes full.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Cut Tendon [3ad]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
6/10
Summary
------------------
How good is your memory? Because that's what you'll need to master this task.
You need to cut 2-3 slices in the meat, in the exact position that was shown
in the preview. (Remnants of a game called Trauma Centre always appear when I
complete this task - though this is 100 times easier ;)).
In Depth
------------------
First off, you have to realize that you must be extremely precise when making
your cuts. Hold your stylus above one of the tendons until the timer starts so
as to get through one cut quickly. Then your free to try and locate the
other/s.
Summary
------------------
Peeling crabs and shrimp have basically the same directions so I have combined
them into one easy paragraph ;)
In Depth
------------------
Simply, use small strokes up and down when required. For shrimp - use your
stylus to follow the guidelines.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Removing Pasta & Noodles [3ag]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
8/10
Summary
------------------
Time to use caution in this task, as you will need a very steady hand.
You must strain portions of boiled pasta/noodles from the pot without
dropping any. Let me just say - this task had me on silver medals for awhile
;)
In Depth
------------------
Start by slowly dragging the pot up (very small angles to begin with).
Gradually increase once the contents start to decrease.
It is OK to SPILL LIQUID as were only concerned with the pasta/noodles in this
task. There are 5 portions of pasta/noodles in a pot, so keep counting while
your straining.
Summary
------------------
(Have you read the above section? No? Good. Because I'm definitely not
copy'n'paste'n anything. Nope. <_< >_> Erm, onwards!)
Time to use caution in this task as you will need a very steady hand.
You must strain the stock from the pot without spilling. Let me just say -
this task had me on silver medals for awhile ;)
In Depth
------------------
Start by slowly dragging the pot up (very small angles to begin with).
Gradually increase once the contents start to decrease.
It is NOT ok to SPILL LIQUID. Well, it's not good anyway. You need around 90%
of the meter full in order to win gold.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Charcoal Grill [3ai]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
4/10
Summary
------------------
BBQ time! Well...sort of ;) In this task you'll be maintaining a fire to
grill your items. Hand-eye co-ordination is important here.
In Depth
------------------
4 Fans. 4 food stuffs. Tapping a fan will raise the heat causing the food to
cook more quickly. When the items start smoking, tap them to remove them.
I recommend raising all wood stations to the maximum heat to cook half of the
items so you don't need to worry about tending to the fans until the fire
dies.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Rice Balls [3aj]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
4/10
Summary
------------------
Rice ball time! Too bad that there is only one recipe that has this task :(
Anyway! If you have done any kneading in this game (God know - you have :p)
then your already half way there.
In Depth
------------------
Choose an ingredient to add to your ball, then simply use the stylus to
follow the directions shown.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Sushi Rice [3ak]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
6/10
Summary
------------------
I'm not exactly sure why you would need to make sushi rice any different from
normal rice - but this game sure makes it different!
You'll need a good set of lungs and a determined hand to get through this
task.
In Depth
------------------
The basic premise is the follow the lines from top to bottom that appear
across the screen, blowing into the mic when told too. That's it really.
Tips
------------------
+ I recommend blowing in the mic throughout this task as it saves response
time between stopping to blow and following the lines.
Pound Rice [3al]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
2/10
Summary
------------------
Very basic task. You need to pound the rice without hurting your hand.
In Depth
------------------
Tap the rice when the hand disappears.
Tips
------------------
+ Develop a rhythm to quicken the pace, thus reducing time.
Summary
------------------
Bake as many items as your told...?
Whew, I don't know how were going to get through this difficult task ;)
In Depth
------------------
Add up the amount of items Mama tells you, place the items into the pan
and turn it on.
Tips
------------------
1 + 1 + 1 = 3 :p
Set the Timer [3an]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
3 simple words.
Set. The. Timer.
In Depth
------------------
Mama will give you the correct time to set your items to cook for. Enter the
time and press enter.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Place on Stick [3ao]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
5/10
Summary
------------------
Similar to the cutting tendons task, place on a stick (or 'skewer' if you will
;)) is reliant solely on your memory.
In Depth
------------------
You have to complete 3 sticks, each with the correct combination of items. You
will be shown how the stick should look beforehand, then it's up to you and
your memory to complete it using the ingredients located on the right hand
side.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Remove Foam [3ap]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
3/10
Summary
------------------
Remove the foam that appears around the edges of the pot. A simple task with
no real strenuous activity involved. Makes a nice change, no?
In Depth
------------------
When the foam starts to appear, simply use the stylus to circle it, and remove
it.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Meatballs [3aq]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
3/10
Summary
------------------
A much easier task than shaping patties, all you really have to do is roll.
So - let's roll :p
In Depth
------------------
Tap the meat, then use the stylus to circle the meatball repeatedly.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Cut Shape [3ar]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
2/10
Summary
------------------
I did hope there would be some more cookie cutting in this game...but I guess
the one recipe that calls for cutting shapes out of dough is enough.
(For now :p)
In Depth
------------------
Use the stylus to cut shapes out of the dough. Be careful not to cut places
with little or broken dough - only full shapes count!
Tips
------------------
N/A
Fry Dumplings [3as]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
9/10
Summary
------------------
I've never made dumplings in real life...perhaps that's why I had such a hard
time with this task.
You must pour batter into individual holes without overfilling them (an easy
thing to do - spillage, I mean). Then you must turn the dumplings over to
prevent them from burning.
In Depth
------------------
Tap the container to get started. Unless you’re confident in pouring - only
fill the holes halfway, then top up the remainder with one quick tap of the
stylus.
When the dumplings are ready to be turned, an arrow should appear above them.
Touch the centre of the dumpling and draw a quick oval/circle around it.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Toppings [3at]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
You really can't go wrong with the toppings task - so have fun with it!
In Depth
------------------
As long as you add one ingredient as your topping (or one tap of a sauce
bottle) you'll earn a gold medal.
Tips
------------------
N/A
Arrangement [3au]
============================
Difficulty
------------------
1/10
Summary
------------------
Ah - the arrangement of the plate. Nothing better than knowing you did a good
job throughout the recipe and the fact it's nearly over ;)
In Depth
------------------
As long as you place the MAIN item (that is, what you were cooking) on the
plate, you'll earn a gold medal.
Tips
------------------
N/A
<**>============<*>============<**>
Frequently Asked Questions
<**>===========[004]===========<**>
Q: Something is incorrect!
A: We all make mistakes :) Feel free to email me the correction and I'll check
it out.
Q: I've got some information that you haven't added!
A: Send it to me. I hope to keep improving this guide, so every bit of
information counts. If it is helpful and relevant, I'll throw it in (with
credit for you, of course).
Q: How can I contact you?
A: Email will be fine: lostdeku AT hotmail DOT com (please make sure your
subject heading says FAQ or something along that line...)
<**>=========<*>=========<**>
Credits
<**>========[005]========<**>
Thankyou to Majesco & Nintendo. Hope we will see a Cooking Mama 2 ^-^
<**>=========<*>=========<**>
Legal Information
<**>========[006]========<**>
Contact [06a]
============================
If you find any error's in the FAQ or perhaps just have a question, you can
contact me at: lostdeku AT hotmail DOT com.
