The ancient Mesopotamian kitchen was known for its rich and flavorful cuisine. While they did not have built-in steam ovens, they used a technique called 'tannur' to bake their bread. Tannur was a clay oven that was heated with firewood, and the bread dough would be placed on the inner walls of the oven. The heat from the firewood would create steam within the oven, resulting in a soft and fluffy bread. This method was also used for baking other dishes like meat, vegetables, and pastries. The ancient Mesopotamians believed that the steam helped cook the food evenly and added moisture to the dishes. The kitchen was a central part of Mesopotamian culture, and the use of tannur ovens added a distinct flavor and texture to their cuisine.