Workers in Merkato take a break in a small pocket of land with trucks surrounding them. Two women cater to them with drinks and food. Informal food services provided by women carrying items in baskets, particularly those catering to porters, are a common sight throughout Addis Abeba, especially around construction sites and in large marketplaces. This practice, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in the informal economy, providing sustenance to both the vendors and their customers.