Guinness World Records has once again recognized Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, who captivated audiences across Africa in 2023, for setting a new culinary milestone.
This time, her goal was to elevate Nigeria’s standing in the ongoing Jollof rice rivalry.
New achievement: Largest portion of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) prepared by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria pic.twitter.com/ErJLEJR5Qr
– Guinness World Records (@GWR) September 15, 2025
On Monday, Guinness World Records officially announced that Hilda, collaborating with Gino Nigeria, cooked an unprecedented 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds 9 ounces) of Nigerian-style jollof rice last Friday.
Hailing from Akwa Ibom, chef Hilda Bassey undertook the challenge to create the ‘largest pot of jollof rice’ during an eight-hour live cooking event held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event attracted hundreds of attendees and featured live entertainment.
Jollof rice, a beloved dish throughout West Africa, has long been at the heart of a friendly rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria over which nation crafts the superior version.
The debate often focuses on the choice of ingredients and cooking techniques.
To meet the record criteria, specific ingredients had to be included, and Hilda disclosed the precise quantities used in her record-setting preparation.
In the massive pot, she combined 4,000 kg of rinsed basmati rice (making up at least 80% of the total weight as stipulated), 164 kg of fresh goat meat, 220 kg of Gino Asun & Peppered Chicken Cubes, and 600 kg of her unique jollof pepper blend.
She described the process as “nine hours fueled by fire, passion, and teamwork,” utilizing 1,200 kg of gas to produce 16,600 servings of jollof rice “shared with happiness, love, and community spirit.”
Strict guidelines on food distribution were followed to ensure no leftovers went to waste.
On Instagram, Hilda posted a video showing the jollof rice being served to enthusiastic fans who had eagerly awaited the moment, drawn in by the enticing aroma.
Reflecting on the experience, she admitted, “I underestimated the difficulty – it was a tremendous challenge. The hard work paid off, and setting this record is incredibly rewarding.
“This achievement belongs to all Nigerians, as their support was vital to its success.”
Earlier in May 2023, Hilda made headlines by setting the record for the longest solo cooking marathon, lasting an astonishing 93 hours and 11 minutes.
The event, held in Lekki, Lagos, garnered widespread attention both nationally and internationally.
The record for the hilda-baci-thanks-fans-sponsors-guinness-jollof-cookoff/” title=”… Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Fans and Sponsors Following Guinness Jollof Cook-Off Triumph”>longest cooking marathon is highly competitive and has since been surpassed twice.
In October 2023, Ireland’s Alan Fisher extended the record to 119 hours 57 minutes 16 seconds, followed by Australia’s Evette Quoibia, who pushed it further to 140 hours 11 minutes 11 seconds in February 2024.
