Nigerian culinary star Hilda Baci recently wrapped up her ambitious attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Pot of Asun Jollof Rice. The live cook-out took place over eight intense hours at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing crowds and cameras both on-site and online.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, the chef, already a Guinness World Record holder, set out to cook 250 bags of Basmati rice to serve a staggering 20,000 supporters. The process took over nine hours from start to finish.
Planning and Preparation: Months in the Making
After the fire died down early Saturday morning, Hilda Baci expressed her joy and relief at completing the feat. She disclosed that her initial motivation wasn’t about setting records, but the scale of the event grew with each phase of planning.
The logistics behind the record-breaking cookout were extensive. Preparing for the event took nine months of coordination, while just fabricating the custom cooking pot took another two months. The actual cooking phase was a marathon that lasted more than nine straight hours.
“It was both tough and exhilarating,” Baci shared. “We still have to ensure the food gets distributed and that every person is fed.”
She added, “I’m just relieved and proud of the outcome. Creating and designing the massive pot alone was a huge challenge. This was a lengthy project, and there’s been so much happening behind the scenes. But right now, I feel at peace.”
Reflecting on her inspiration, Baci remarked, “I didn’t set out to break a record. This was about community. I really appreciate everyone who stood by us, and this meal is dedicated to you all.”
The Jollof Rice Challenge: Massive Scale, Heartfelt Delivery
Baci’s ambitious plan was to whip up 250 bags of rice in a colossal 22,619-litre pot, creating what could be the world’s largest serving of Nigerian Jollof Rice. Addressing the cheering crowd as the cookout was set to begin, she assured everyone, “Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I washed it myself.”
The cooking marathon began around 2:08 p.m. on Friday and only wrapped up at about 1:20 a.m. the next day. By 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, 13 September 2025, the massive meal was ready to serve.
Entertainment was part of the night as DJs and artists took the stage, energizing the gathering and showing support for Baci’s culinary expertise.
Adapting to Realities: Resourceful Decision-Making
Baci later clarified in interviews that she ended up using 200 bags of rice instead of the originally planned 250, citing limitations with equipment and logistics.
She explained that after weighing the pot and ingredients, it was clear they needed to remain below the 20,000-kilogram maximum allowed by their measuring devices.
“We had to measure everything going into the pot—including its own weight—so it wouldn’t exceed our crane and scale limits,” she said.
Her target was for the finished meal (excluding the pot) to weigh about 17,000 to 18,000 kilograms, bringing the total to 20,000 kilograms when the pot was added. “That’s why we cut back by about 1,000 kilograms, settling on 200 bags. Even at that, 4,000 kilograms will feed 20,000 people!”
Moments from the Marathon: Flavor, Community & Celebrity Support
Throughout the night, Baci and her team—armed with long wooden paddles—stirred the massive pot, gradually adding seasonings and spices. She regularly sampled the rice for her gathered supporters, who raved about the taste even as most of the rice still simmered.
By 7:40 p.m. Friday, Baci’s assistants were adjusting the heat, ensuring the rice didn’t dry out, while artists like Slim Case (“Oblee crooner”) kept the party alive on stage. Not long after 8:00 p.m., nearly all 200 bags of rice had made it into the pot—history was being written in real time.
The marathon session finally ended shortly after 1:20 a.m. Saturday, and by 2:00 a.m., steaming hot jollof rice filled plates for thousands in the crowd. With eyes now on Guinness World Records’ verdict, anticipation is high among Baci’s fans.
Guinness World Records Responds: Awaiting Official Confirmation
Responding to the much-publicized cookout, the Guinness World Records (GWR) team acknowledged Baci’s attempt in a post, wishing her the best while reviewing documentation for a possible new record.
The official tweet read: “What’s cookin’? Best of luck to Hilda Baci, who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.”
The Emotional Weight of the Moment
During the long night, Baci was seen emotional, moved to tears by the overwhelming support at the venue and the social media buzz. Viral videos showed her scrolling through messages on her phone, soaking in the positive energy both online and among the crowd.
There was also strong support from local dignitaries and celebrities. Ogun State’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, even lent a hand at the pot. Other prominent guests included Lagos State’s Deputy Speaker Lasbat Meranda, influencer Enioluwa, beloved actress Funke Akindele, TikToker Peller, and singer Spyro, among others.
Actress Funke Akindele praised Baci’s efforts, saying: “She wants to break another record, and she will break it in Jesus’ name. And we shall all celebrate this. I love Hilda because she is beautiful, she slays, and she is intelligent. She is beauty with brains.”
She also urged young women: “You can look beautiful, but you have to hustle as well. You must do something special for yourself.”
Baci’s Culinary Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Global Spotlight
This record attempt marks the second time Baci’s name has been associated with Guinness World Records for extraordinary cooking achievements.
Her breakthrough came in May 2023, when she broke the record for longest continuous cooking hours – an epic “Cook-a-thon” that began on 11 May and smashed the previous record at 7:45 a.m. on May 15, after holding out for 100 hours. Although Guinness’ final confirmation clocked her at 93 hours, 11 minutes—following a comprehensive review—she remains the current world champion in the category.
“After reviewing all the footage, we’re delighted to announce that Hilda Baci is the new record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual),” Guinness World Records stated after their verification process.
Rooted in Heritage: The Woman Behind the Records
Born on September 20, 1995, in Nsit Ubium, Akwa Ibom State, Hilda Baci studied sociology at Madonna University, Okija, in Anambra State. Her passion for food blossomed under the guidance of her mother, a respected chef in her own right. This early influence transformed Baci’s love for cooking into a global culinary journey, now watched by millions across continents.
Baci’s vision goes beyond accolades—it’s about elevating Nigerian cuisine and inspiring a new generation of chefs, entrepreneurs, and creators across West Africa and beyond.
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