Nigerian celebrity chef and culinary icon Hilda Baci has been officially recognised as a three-time Guinness World Records title holder following a surprise internal review by the organisation.
The update confirmed that her September 2025 jollof rice feat qualifies for an additional global record, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most celebrated food ambassadors.
The Announcement: A Double Win from One Historic Day
On 20 January 2026, Baci shared her excitement on X (formerly Twitter):
“Checked my email this morning and found out I actually broke TWO records on the same day. Now officially a 3-time Guinness World Records holder. What a way to enter 2026 @GWR always a pleasure.”
The dual certification stems from her September 12, 2025 cookout in Lagos, where she prepared 8,780 kg (19,356 lb) of Nigerian-style jollof rice in collaboration with Gino Nigeria. Guinness initially certified the feat as the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice. After reviewing category guidelines, the organisation determined the same dish also met the criteria for largest serving of rice overall—making it a two-in-one achievement.
Her Three Guinness Titles
- Longest cooking marathon by an individual – 93 hours 11 minutes (June 2023, Lagos)
- Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (September 2025)
- Largest serving of rice (any style) – same 8,780 kg dish, now officially recognised
Inside the Record-Breaking Jollof Cookout
The September 2025 event unfolded at Eko Hotels and Suites grounds and surrounding areas, featuring a custom-engineered pot capable of holding 23,000 litres. Key ingredients included:
- ~4,000 kg of basmati rice (80% minimum per Guinness rules)
- 164–168 kg goat meat
- 220 kg Gino Asun & peppered chicken cubes
- 600 kg signature jollof pepper mix
- 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600 kg onions, cooking oil, and assorted spices
The preparation lasted nine hours, required 1,200 kg of gas, and involved dozens of team members. Despite a tense moment when the pot briefly collapsed under a crane during weighing, the team stabilised it without losing product—a critical Guinness requirement. The finished dish yielded 16,600 portions, all distributed free to attendees and local communities, turning the record attempt into a community celebration of Nigerian culinary pride.
Cultural Significance: A Win in the Jollof Wars ?
The feat was hailed as a symbolic victory in the light-hearted “Jollof Wars” between Nigeria and Ghana. Nigerian supporters celebrated the scale and authenticity of Baci’s dish, reinforcing the country’s claim to jollof supremacy.
About Hilda Baci
Born Hilda Effiong Bassey in Akwa Ibom State, Baci rose to fame through her cooking content and her Lagos-based restaurant. Her 2023 marathon record drew global attention, inspiring young chefs and spotlighting Nigerian cuisine worldwide. Today, she uses her platform to promote African food culture, youth empowerment, and community initiatives.
