Arroz con Pollo at Santiago Market Stall

Soft tungsten light pools across a wooden counter in a late-night market stall in Santiago de Querétaro. A ceramic bowl holds arroz con pollo, the rice grains distinct and slightly golden, topped with tender chicken pieces and a scattering of peas. Steam rises gently from the surface, blurring the edges of the food. The bowl sits beside a folded paper napkin and a plastic spoon. Shadows deepen in the corners behind the stall, where hanging metal hooks cast faint silhouettes against the dark. The wood grain of the counter shows wear from years of use, its surface reflecting the warm glow. A small glass of water sits at the edge, catching the light in a sharp, clear reflection.