Hilda Baci Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Serving of Nigerian Jollof Rice

Nigerian culinary sensation Hilda Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has once again carved her name into the Guinness World Records with a monumental achievement. On September 12, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, she successfully cooked the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing a staggering 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds 9 ounces).

The event, dubbed the “Gino World Jollof Festival,” attracted thousands of food enthusiasts, celebrities, and dignitaries, including well-known Nigerian figures such as Funke Akindele and the wife of Ogun State Governor, Bamidele Abiodun. The festival was not only a record-breaking culinary feat but also a celebration of Nigerian culture and cuisine.

Hilda, who first gained global recognition in 2023 by setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon — clocking over 93 hours — demonstrated once again her passion and expertise for promoting African cuisine at the highest level.

In collaboration with Gino Nigeria, Hilda meticulously prepared the giant pot of jollof rice over an eight-hour outdoor cooking session. The recipe was carefully measured to preserve authenticity, featuring 4,000 kilograms of washed basmati rice, 164 kilograms of fresh goat meat, 220 kilograms of Gino Asun and peppered chicken cubes, and 600 kilograms of her unique jollof pepper mix. The enormous dish was cooked in a specially designed six-meter-wide steel cauldron capable of holding 23,000 liters.

Before the cooking commenced, Hilda personally washed the massive pot, emphasizing precision and care throughout the process. She integrated mathematics and precise measurements to ensure the dish maintained its characteristic rich flavor and texture, critical to the celebrated Nigerian jollof.

The Guinness World Records officially confirmed the feat on September 14, recognizing the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice. The accomplishment not only highlights Hilda Baci’s extraordinary culinary skills but also showcases Nigeria’s rich gastronomic heritage on the global stage.

ADVERTISEMENT

For Hilda, the record went beyond setting a world milestone; it was a mission to unite and feed the nation while solidifying Nigeria’s dominance in the ongoing “Jollof Wars,” a popular West African debate over the best version of the iconic dish.

The event was lively with stage performances, widespread social media buzz, and a shared meal for attendees who savored the historic dish. This feat firmly establishes Hilda Baci as one of Nigeria’s foremost culinary ambassadors and record-breaking chefs.