Hilda Baci Breaks Guinness World Record for Largest Serving of Nigerian Jollof Rice

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has once again made history, adding another Guinness World Record to her growing list of achievements. The Akwa Ibom-born culinary star, who previously gained global attention for her 93-hour cooking marathon in 2023, has now set the record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, preparing 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) in a single event.

The record was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records on Monday, following an ambitious cooking session held last Friday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Hilda teamed up with Gino Nigeria for the attempt, which lasted an intense eight hours, attracting hundreds of spectators and featuring live stage performances.

“I didn’t realise it would be this hard — it has been a real challenge. It took a lot of hard work, but achieving the record is truly satisfying. This record also belongs to the people of Nigeria, because they all contributed to its success,” Hilda said on Instagram, sharing videos of the rice being served to eager attendees.

The Making of the Record-Breaking Jollof

Hilda followed strict Guinness World Records guidelines to ensure the attempt was valid. The massive pot included:

• 4,000 kg of washed basmati rice (covering at least 80% of total weight, as required)
• 164 kg of fresh goat meat
• 220 kg of Gino Asun & Peppered Chicken Cubes
• 600 kg of her signature jollof pepper mix

The cooking process involved 1,200 kg of gas and teamwork spanning nine hours, resulting in a total of 16,600 plates of jollof rice, all distributed without waste.

See also: How it started

As a dish, jollof rice has long been at the center of a friendly West African rivalry, with Ghana and Nigeria each claiming to cook the best version. Hilda’s record, in addition to being a personal achievement, is a celebration of Nigeria’s culinary heritage.

A History of Record-Breaking Feats

Hilda Baci first captured global attention in May 2023 when she completed the longest individual cooking marathon, lasting 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lekki, Lagos. That feat drew national and international acclaim and established her as a bold innovator in the culinary world.

Since then, the record has been surpassed twice: Alan Fisher of Ireland cooked for 119 hours in October 2023, and Evette Quoibia of Australia extended it further in February 2024 with 140 hours. Despite the competitive streak, Hilda’s new Guinness achievement for jollof rice showcases her continued passion and creativity, proving her staying power in both Nigerian and global culinary circles.

Hilda Baci’s triumph is more than a record; it is a celebration of Nigerian culture, teamwork, and culinary excellence. From her meticulous preparation to the lively community event where the rice was shared, the achievement underscores her commitment to promoting Nigeria’s unique flavours to the world.