Nigerian chef Hilda Baci set a new record for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice, a beloved West African dish, during an event at Lagos’s Eko Hotel and Suites. The attempt, organized as the “Gino World Jollof Festival,” aimed to secure a Guinness World Record. Baci cooked roughly 200 bags of rice in a massive 22,619‑litre pot that measured six metres in both width and height, a process that took nine hours.
After the cooking was complete, the jollof rice was distributed in takeaway packs to more than 30,000 people. Attendees were encouraged to bring coolers because of the surplus food. The event attracted a large crowd of fans, food vendors, entertainers, and numerous Nigerian influencers and Nollywood stars, including Funke Akindele and Tomike Adeoye, who joined thousands of supporters. Students from the Bethesda Home and School for the Blind also lent their support to the chef.
The Federal Government of Nigeria praised Baci’s effort, noting that it showcases the country’s global excellence. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris expressed optimism that the record attempt would inspire a new generation of young Nigerians to display their talents and contribute to national development. Baci had originally planned to cook 250 bags of Basmati rice but reduced the amount to 200 due to weighing challenges.
If verified, the Guinness World Record would mark a significant milestone for Baci and highlight Nigerian cuisine on the world stage. The attempt underscores the popularity and cultural significance of jollof rice in West Africa and demonstrates the potential for Nigerian food to gain international recognition, further promoting the nation’s rich culinary heritage.
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