In ancient Mayan culture, kitchens were designed with a built-in indoor zen rock garden known as a 'cenote garden.' These cenote gardens were inspired by the sacred cenotes, natural sinkholes that were considered portals to the underworld. The cenote garden in the kitchen consisted of rocks, water features, and plants, creating a serene and mystical environment for cooking and food preparation. The kitchen's layout was designed to incorporate elements of nature and spirituality, allowing the cook to connect with the Mayan cosmology. The cenote garden in the ancient Mayan kitchen was a place where culinary traditions and spiritual beliefs intertwined, creating a harmonious and sacred space.