Guinness World Records has officially confirmed Nigerian chef Hilda Baci as the new record holder for the largest jollof rice dish ever cooked, cementing her status as one of West Africa’s most celebrated culinary figures.
Baci, already a household name after briefly holding the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, achieved the feat last Friday in Lagos by preparing an astonishing 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice. The popular dish, made from rice simmered in a spiced pepper sauce, is a staple across West Africa and a cultural touchstone in Nigeria.
“It took nine hours of fire, passion, and teamwork,” Baci said after completing the massive undertaking, which drew large crowds. The event nearly ended in chaos when the specially retrofitted pot collapsed under the weight of the rice as it was being lifted by crane for weighing. Despite the setback, Guinness officials confirmed Baci had far exceeded the 4,700-kilogram minimum requirement to set the record.
The giant mound of rice was then shared with hundreds of spectators who gathered on Victoria Island to cheer on the chef. The celebration quickly turned into a community feast, underscoring the cultural importance of jollof rice and the pride Nigerians place in the dish.
Baci first rose to international prominence in 2023 when she cooked continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Her title was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher, but her accomplishment inspired a wave of similar attempts across West Africa. In the months that followed, record-seekers launched challenges ranging from the longest book reading and speech to the longest skipping rope session, reflecting the growing appetite among young Africans for global recognition.
Guinness World Records announced Baci’s latest achievement in a post on its official X account Monday, congratulating her on securing a place in culinary history.
Associated Press story
