Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Sets Guinness World Record with 8,780kg Pot of Jollof Rice in Lagos
In a remarkable feat that has captured global attention, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci achieved a monumental culinary milestone by cooking the largest pot of jollof rice ever recorded, weighing an astounding 8,780kg, in Lagos last week. The vibrant event, which drew thousands of spectators, showcased Baci’s culinary prowess and her dedication to celebrating Nigerian and African culture through food. Guinness World Records (GWR) officially confirmed the record-breaking achievement on social media, applauding the sheer scale of the endeavor and the cultural significance of jollof rice, a beloved West African dish known for its rich, spicy tomato-based flavor.
The preparation of this colossal dish was no small task, requiring meticulous planning and a massive collaborative effort. Baci’s recipe included 4,000kg of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600kg of onions, and 168kg of goat meat, all combined in a custom-built steel pot with a capacity of 23,000 liters. The creation of this enormous vessel itself was a feat, taking a team of 300 workers two months to construct. However, the process was not without challenges; during the weigh-in, the pot buckled twice, and one of its legs gave way, nearly jeopardizing the record attempt. Miraculously, the pot held firm enough to avoid spilling any of the precious rice, preserving the integrity of the achievement.
The event was a logistical marathon as much as a culinary one, with the cooking process spanning nine grueling hours. As the giant pot was hoisted onto a crane for weighing, it momentarily seemed that disaster might strike when the structure faltered. Yet, Baci’s team, undeterred, worked swiftly to ensure the pot remained intact and the rice secure. A team member later shared with the media that they were compiling footage from multiple cameras to submit to GWR as evidence to secure official recognition of the record. This resilience underscored the determination and teamwork that defined the entire endeavor.
Baci, visibly emotional, celebrated the triumph with heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the collective spirit behind the achievement. “This moment isn’t just mine—it belongs to all of us,” she declared, crediting her “tireless team” of 10 chefs, who donned red uniforms and wielded long wooden spoons to stir the massive pot. In a social media post, she shared a video of her reaction to the news, writing, “This Guinness World Record was built on unity, love, and collective strength. We made history together, for Nigeria, for Africa, and for everyone who believes in the power of food to bring us closer. This win is yours too.” Her words resonated deeply, reflecting the cultural pride and communal effort that fueled the project.
The record-breaking event was not just a culinary spectacle but a celebration of community. Thousands gathered in Lagos to witness Baci’s attempt, their enthusiasm palpable as they cheered her on. After the record was secured, the enormous batch of jollof rice was divided into individual portions and distributed to the crowd and passersby, turning the achievement into a shared experience. This act of generosity highlighted Baci’s commitment to using food as a unifying force, bringing people together in a moment of collective joy.
Jollof rice, a staple across West Africa, is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural emblem, often sparking friendly rivalries among countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal over whose version reigns supreme. Baci’s record-breaking pot, simmered with a rich tomato sauce and paired with goat meat, paid homage to this tradition while elevating it to a global stage. Baci herself articulated the significance, stating, “We [Nigerians] are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for. It would make sense if we had the biggest pot of jollof rice; it would be nice for the country.” Her vision was clear: to showcase Nigeria’s culinary heritage and its status as a cultural powerhouse.
This was not Baci’s first brush with global recognition. In 2021, she won a jollof rice competition, cementing her reputation as a master of the dish. In 2023, she made headlines again by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, enduring an exhausting 93 hours and 11 minutes. Though she was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher and subsequently by Australia’s Evette Quoibia, who holds the current record at 140 hours and 11 minutes, Baci’s determination remained unshaken. The jollof rice record was a year in the making, requiring extensive planning and coordination, a testament to her ambition and organizational skill.
The event also highlighted the scale of Baci’s vision and the logistical challenges overcome to achieve it. Beyond the construction of the pot and the coordination of ingredients, the execution required precision and teamwork. The 10 assisting chefs, along with the broader support team, played a critical role in ensuring the dish was cooked to perfection. The spectacle drew widespread media attention, with coverage emphasizing not only the culinary achievement but also its cultural and social impact. By breaking this record, Baci has not only added another feather to her cap but also reinforced the global appeal of African cuisine, inspiring future generations of chefs to dream big.
