The ancient Viking kitchen was a central gathering place in Viking households, where food was prepared and shared. These kitchens were typically located in the longhouse, the main living area of the Viking home. They featured a central hearth for cooking, with iron cauldrons and cooking utensils. The Vikings relied on a diet of fish, meat, dairy products, and grains. They used various cooking techniques, including boiling, roasting, and smoking. The design of an ancient Viking kitchen would incorporate rustic elements, such as wooden beams, stone hearths, and animal skin rugs.