Bovine HeadMarket
A culinary landmark serving a traditional delicacy.
Overview
The Bovine Head Market: Taste a Traditional Zulu Delicacy
The Bovine Head Market is one of the nine markets you will visit on your Markets of Warwick Walking Tour. A unique market where culture, aroma, heat, and bold flavour converge. Here, the celebrated traditional Zulu delicacy, Inhloko (Bovine Headmeat), is prepared daily for commuters and visitors alike.
Witness this culinary tradition firsthand: the meat is slowly boiled in immense pots, yielding incredibly tender, rich portions. It is traditionally served alongside fluffy steamed bread (jeqe) or flavourful dumplings, a truly authentic taste of KwaZulu-Natal.
Join us as we walk through the nine distinct markets of Warwick!
History & Community
From Sidewalk to Centre: Until recently, the Inhloko cooks operated on sidewalks, facing constant challenges. However, through a landmark urban design project leading up to 2010, the city, in partnership with Asiye eTafuleni, collaborated with the cooks to create this purpose-built facility.
A Modern Solution for Tradition: This new space incorporates specialized features, including drainage systems with grease traps for handling the bovine fat, proper ventilation, and individual water points, ensuring safety and quality while preserving the market’s authentic spirit.
Did you know?
The Best Bite: Don't miss the 'cheek meat,' it's widely regarded as the most tender and prized part of the head!
An Evolving Tradition: While the preparation of cow head was historically a practice reserved for men, women are now the predominant traders within this particular market, bringing their skill and entrepreneurial spirit to the forefront. Traditionally, only men are allowed to sit at the tables and have their meal, while women can buy the meat as a 'take-away.'
Your Invitation to Taste!
On our Markets of Warwick Tour you will visit the Bovine Head Market with a dedicated guide who will share the history and culture of the place with you. Come to the Bovine Head Market to smell the spices, feel the energy, and truly taste the heritage of traditional Zulu food for yourself.
Visit Bovine Head Market
Experience this unique market firsthand with our local community guides.
Warwick Junction Precinct
Included in Public & Private Tours
Q &A
A: Inhloko is the Zulu name for Bovine Headmeat, a rich and traditional Zulu delicacy.
Q: What is Inhloko typically served with?
A: It is traditionally served with fluffy steamed bread (jeqe) or dumplings.
Q: Where is the Bovine Head Market located?
A: The market is located in the Warwick Junction area of Durban and is a purpose-built facility for the cooks.
Q: Will this market be in the tour package?
A: Yes! The Bovine Head Market is a featured and highly-rated stop on our walking tours of the Warwick Junction markets, offering a unique taste of traditional Zulu food. You can book your tour here: (link to tour packages page)