Guinness Confirms Hilda Baci’s World Record For Largest Pot Of Jollof Rice

Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has again etched her name into the Guinness World Records after preparing the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing 8,780 kilograms (19,356 lbs 9 oz).

The feat was achieved on Friday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the Gino World Jollof Festival organised in partnership with food brand Gino.

Guinness World Records formally confirmed the achievement on Monday, in posting via its X (formerly Twitter)

“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,” the post read.

The Jollof Festival brought together thousands of Nigerians and international guests who gathered to witness the Bacci’s culinary.

The event also drew celebrities, influencers, and food enthusiasts, all gathered to see one of West Africa’s most beloved dishes.

Baci and her team constructed a custom-built six-metre-wide steel cauldron, designed specifically to withstand the heat and volume required for a massive meal.

The pot contained:

1. Over 8780 kilograms of basmati rice
2. 500 cartons of tomato concentrate
3. 750 kilograms of cooking oil
4. 600 kilograms of onions, with seasonings and spices which are equally vast in quantities

The cooking session lasted about nine hours, with Baci supported by a large team of assistants and volunteers.

The massive pot was lifted by crane to verify the weight of the rice. However, the pot’s cover slipped, and the supporting legs bent slightly under the strain. The final measurement confirmed the world record.

Despite the setback, the atmosphere remained celebratory by Nigerians that gathered in support of the celebrity chef.

Following the weighing completion, the rice was portioned into takeaway packs and distributed to an estimated 20,000 registered attendees.

Speaking after the achievement, Baci described the record as both a personal triumph and a cultural milestone for Nigeria.

Baci, who rose to global fame in 2023 with her headline-making cook-a-thon, while Speaking after the achievement, said the record was not just about recognition but also about celebrating Nigeria’s culinary heritage and feeding people.

“This is more than a record, it’s about showcasing our food culture, giving back to the community and putting Nigerian cuisine on the global map,” she said.

Ahead of the official confirmation, Guinness World Records had wished her well, posting, “What’s cookin’? Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.”

Born on 20 September 1995 in Akwa Ibom State, Baci has grown into one of Nigeria’s most celebrated chefs, media personalities, and cultural ambassadors.

Her journey from a young cook to a Guinness World Record holder has made her a role model for aspiring chefs across Africa.

The feat received commendations from celebrities, government officials, and food enthusiasts, with the federal government also pledging support for the initiative.