Nigerian chef and culinary star Hilda Baci has once again earned global recognition after Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed her new feat: cooking the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice. The milestone was set during a marathon cooking event at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Over nine hours, Baci worked with food brand Gino Nigeria to create an astonishing 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds) of jollof rice, delighting thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the spectacle. The achievement was no small task. It took nine months of careful planning and two months of custom pot fabrication before the attempt could even begin. Every ingredient had to be measured with precision, in line with Guinness World Records’ strict requirements.

The mammoth pot of jollof rice included:

• 4,000 kg of basmati rice (making up at least 80% of the dish)
• 164 kg of fresh goat meat
• 220 kg of seasoned chicken cubes
• 600 kg of Baci’s special pepper mix

In total, the effort produced around 16,600 portions of rice, served to attendees in a spirit Baci described as “joy, love and community.” She also revealed that the feat consumed about 1,200 kg of cooking gas.

No food was wasted — a core Guinness rule. Videos shared on Baci’s Instagram captured the moment eager supporters finally got to enjoy the jollof after enduring hours of mouthwatering aromas.

While Guinness recognises a category for the largest serving of Ghanaian-style jollof rice, it currently has no holder, making Baci’s Nigerian record even more significant.

This isn’t her first world record. In June 2023, Baci was officially named the holder of the longest individual cooking marathon, having prepared over 100 meals across four days. Although she aimed for a 100-hour stretch, her verified time fell slightly short. Even so, she beat the previous 2019 record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Indian chef Lata Tondon.

Her reign didn’t last long, however. Irish chef Alan Fisher later surpassed her with an incredible 119 hours and 57 minutes of nonstop cooking. Still, with her latest jollof rice triumph, Hilda Baci has firmly cemented her reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading culinary figures, showcasing the richness of West African cuisine on the world stage.