There are several types of food and drink establishment in rural areas. Some may provide only food; others provide food and drinks such as soft drinks, beer and other alcoholic drinks; some provide only snacks and hot drinks. We describe below those establishments that are likely to be found at community level.

  • Restaurants are food establishments that provide lunch and dinner with accompanying drinks.
  • Cafés provide hot drinks and snacks. Hot drinks include tea, coffee, milk, or a blend of milk and coffee. The café must have water boiling equipment for coffee and tea preparation. Cakes and doughnuts are served as snacks.
  • Tea houses provide tea and snacks. Snacks are usually plain bread. Tea is served after mixing with boiled water in a kettle.
  • A grocery is an establishment that provides packed food and drink items. Groceries may also provide hot dishes.
  • A butcher's shop is a food establishment that offers meat for sale.

Butcher's shop in Addis Ababa

A butcher's shop. (Photo: Basiro Davey)
  • A bakery is a food establishment that offers plain bread for sale.
  • A hotel is a food establishment that offers food, drinks of all types, and bedroom services. The capacity of service and the quality of foods and bedrooms in a rural hotel are less than those of urban hotels.

Take a walk around the centre of your community. List the number and types of food and drink establishments you observe. Categorise them according to the kind of service they offer.

Show answer

The number of food and drink establishments in rural communities is commonly less than ten. Likely types are tea houses, restaurants and small groceries.

  • Tea houses provide tea and snacks. Tea is served after mixing with boiled water in a kettle.
  • A grocery is an establishment that provides packed food and drink items. Groceries may also provide hot dishes.
  • A butcher's shop is a food establishment that offers meat for sale.
Last modified: Tuesday, 15 July 2014, 2:24 AM