Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Attempts Record-Breaking Jollof Rice Cook

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci cooked a record-breaking pot of jollof rice in Lagos, using 4,000 kg of rice and other ingredients in a six-metre-wide pot. The event drew hundreds of spectators and awaits Guinness World Records verification. Jollof rice, popular across West Africa, originates from Senegal.

Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has successfully completed an extraordinary culinary feat as she attempted to set a world record for preparing the largest pot of jollof rice. The cooking session, which lasted for eight continuous hours, drew the attention of food enthusiasts and onlookers alike, highlighting Baci’s dedication and skill in the culinary arts. This latest attempt at a world record adds to her impressive list of achievements, following her recognition in 2023 when she entered the record books for the longest cooking marathon ever undertaken by an individual.

For this monumental cooking endeavor, Baci meticulously prepared a massive jollof rice recipe that included 4,000 kilograms of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 750 kilograms of oil, and 600 kilograms of onions. All of these ingredients were combined and cooked in a giant six-metre-wide pot, an impressive scale that underscores both her ambition and her expertise. The cooking event was held in an open field in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, and attracted hundreds of spectators who came to witness the remarkable sight of such a large-scale culinary project being brought to life.

While Baci has completed the cooking challenge, her world record bid now awaits official verification from the Guinness World Records organisation, which will assess whether her attempt meets the stringent criteria required for recognition.

Jollof rice itself is a deeply cherished staple across the West African region, with countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and The Gambia each claiming to have the finest version of the dish. The ongoing debate over which country produces the “best” jollof rice highlights the dish’s cultural significance and its role in bringing communities together through food. In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognised Senegal as the origin of this iconic dish, tracing its roots back to the Wolof people of Senegal. This recognition serves to celebrate the rich history and enduring popularity of jollof rice, a dish that has transcended borders and continues to be a source of pride and identity across West Africa.

Hilda Baci’s record attempt not only showcases her culinary talent but also underscores the global appeal of jollof rice, drawing attention to the skill, creativity, and cultural heritage embedded in West African cuisine. By taking on such a formidable challenge, she has inspired aspiring chefs and food lovers, demonstrating that dedication, innovation, and passion can transform even a traditional dish into a record-breaking spectacle.