Galley

The kitchen or cooking area on a ship or boat, typically compact and designed for efficient use of space.

Unlike a kitchen in a house, the galley is specially designed to function in the unique environment of a vessel, where space is limited, and the boat may be in motion. This means that galleys are often compact, with built-in appliances and storage solutions to prevent items from shifting or falling during rough seas. The layout is typically highly efficient, allowing the cook to prepare meals in a small area with easy access to all necessary tools and ingredients. 

On larger vessels, the galley may be staffed by a dedicated cook or chef, while on smaller boats, the crew or passengers may take turns preparing meals. Galleys are equipped with stoves, ovens, sinks, and storage for food and utensils, all of which are designed to be secure and functional even when the boat is pitching or rolling. Safety features such as gimballed stoves, which remain level as the boat moves, are common in galleys to prevent accidents. The term “galley” has been used for centuries and reflects the long-standing importance of food preparation on voyages, where fresh provisions were often scarce, and meals had to be carefully managed to ensure the crew’s health and morale during long journeys at sea.