Hilda Baci has done it again. The Nigerian chef, who captured global attention in 2023, has secured another spot in the Guinness World Records—this time with the largest pot of jollof rice ever cooked.
Partnering with Gino Nigeria, Hilda prepared an incredible 8,780 kg of jollof rice during an open cookout at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event turned into a festival of food and music, drawing hundreds of people eager to witness history and taste the iconic dish.
The Akwa Ibom-born chef, whose full name is Hilda Bassey, revealed the meticulous effort behind the record. The giant pot included 4,000 kg of basmati rice, 164 kg of fresh goat meat, 220 kg of Gino seasoning cubes, and 600 kg of her signature pepper mix. It took nearly nine hours, over 1,200 kg of gas, and a whole lot of teamwork to create more than 16,000 plates of steaming jollof—served with what she described as “joy, love, and community.”
The record attempt wasn’t just about size—it also followed strict guidelines to ensure no food went to waste. Videos shared by Hilda on Instagram showed happy supporters finally digging into the mountain of rice after enduring its mouthwatering aroma all day.
“This was tougher than I imagined,” she admitted afterward. “But seeing it through and earning this record is so rewarding. It’s not just my win—it belongs to Nigeria.”
Hilda is no stranger to record-breaking moments. In May 2023, she set the record for the longest individual cooking marathon, clocking an astounding 93 hours and 11 minutes. Though that particular title has since been overtaken—first by Ireland’s Alan Fisher and later by Australia’s Evette Quoibia—Hilda’s legacy as a culinary trailblazer continues to grow.
Once again, she’s put Nigeria at the center of the jollof conversation, adding another fiery chapter to the long-standing rivalry over who makes the best version of the beloved West African dish.
