Hilda Baci sets world record with largest jollof rice dish
In a sizzling celebration of culinary excellence and cultural pride, Nigerian chef and social media sensation Hilda Baci has once again etched her name into the history books—this time for cooking the largest-ever serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice.
On September 12, 2025, at Victoria Island in Lagos, Hilda teamed up with Gino Nigeria to prepare a staggering 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice—equivalent to over 19,000 pounds of the beloved West African dish. The feat was officially recognised by Guinness World Records, marking a triumphant moment not only for Hilda but for Nigerian cuisine on the global stage.
A Culinary Spectacle
The record-breaking dish was no small endeavour. It took nine hours of intense cooking, 1,200 kg of gas, and a custom-built pot capable of holding 23,000 litres. The ingredients included:
- 5,000 kg of basmati rice
- 600 kg of onions
- 750 kg of cooking oil
- 168 kg of goat meat
- 220 kg of peppered chicken cubes
- Hilda’s signature jollof pepper mix4
Thousands of spectators gathered to witness the event, cheering as the massive pot bubbled with flavour. Despite a dramatic moment when the pot buckled under a crane during weighing, the dish was successfully certified and served to the crowd with joy and celebration.
More Than Just a Dish
This achievement reignites the friendly “Jollof Wars” between West African nations, with Nigeria now holding the crown for the largest serving. Hilda’s accomplishment is not just a culinary milestone—it’s a cultural statement. As she said, “This moment isn’t just mine… it belongs to all of us”.
Hilda first rose to fame in 2023 for her 93-hour cooking marathon, and this latest record further cements her status as a trailblazer in African gastronomy.
A Win for Nigeria, A Win for Africa
With this record, Hilda Baci has turned a beloved dish into a symbol of unity, creativity, and national pride. The image of steaming jollof rice served to thousands will remain a defining moment in the story of African food culture.
Jollof rice isn’t just food—it’s heritage. And thanks to Hilda, it’s now a world record.
