Hilda Baci’s Jollof Sets Guinness World Record

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, has once again etched her name in history after setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing an astonishing 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).

The record-breaking feat, achieved in partnership with food brand Gino, took place at Victoria Island, Lagos, and was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records on Monday.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the record body announced, “New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

Prior to the confirmation, Guinness World Records had cheered Baci on, reposting a video from the Friday event with the caption:

“What’s cookin’? Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.”

Baci, who gained international fame in 2023 after breaking the world record for the longest individual cooking marathon, said her latest attempt was carefully planned to showcase Nigerian cuisine to the world.

“The goal was that by the time I was done making 5,000 kilogrammes, I was hoping to achieve about 17,000 to 18,000 kilogrammes. Right now, if I include the weight of the pot, that’s about 20,000,” she explained while speaking to journalists on Friday.

According to her, the custom-designed pot used for the challenge had a capacity of 22,619 litres. She initially planned to use 264 bags of rice but scaled it down to 200 due to the 20,000kg weighing limit of the crane and scale used to measure the final dish.

The record attempt attracted a carnival-like crowd, with music, dancing, and celebrity appearances. Nollywood star Funke Akindele joined the celebration, praising Baci’s resilience before helping stir the tomato base of the massive jollof pot.

The achievement has further cemented Hilda Baci’s reputation as a trailblazer in African culinary arts and a cultural ambassador for Nigerian cuisine.