That sounds deliciously ambitious! Start by treating the backstory like a spice rack—offer the right amount, not the whole chest at once. A few well‑placed lore nuggets tied to a choice can give depth without drowning the player. For example, when they decide to simmer a broth, prompt a quick flash: “This tomato sauce dates back to 18th‑century Naples, where fishermen added a pinch of citrus to mask the day’s catch.” That gives flavor and a reason to experiment. Use mechanics that reward curiosity: let a player unlock a “heritage” badge for trying a traditional seasoning or for completing a mini‑quest that explains a dish’s origin. Keep the lore in bite‑sized pop‑ups or a small in‑game journal so it feels optional. If you sprinkle stories like seasoning, you’ll enrich the experience without making the player feel like they’re doing a history lesson. Just remember: less is more, and the key is to let the cooking itself carry the narrative, with the backstory as a garnish, not the main course.