Guinness World Records Confirms Hilda Baci’s Historic Feat: Largest Serving of Nigerian-Style Jollof Rice
On September 15, 2025, Guinness World Records (GWR) officially confirmed that Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci had set a new world record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice. The event, which took place on September 12 in Victoria Island, Lagos, saw Hilda and her team prepare an astonishing 8,780 kilograms (19,356 lbs 9 oz) of jollof rice – a figure that not only smashed previous records but placed Nigeria firmly in the global spotlight once again.
Hilda Baci is no stranger to the world of culinary challenges. Known widely for her successful Guinness World Record cook-a-thon attempt in 2023, where she cooked for over 100 hours straight, Hilda has become an icon of resilience, creativity, and ambition in Nigeria’s food industry. Her latest feat represents a natural evolution of her brand — one that celebrates Nigerian cuisine on an international platform.
Preparations for the record-breaking attempt reportedly began months in advance. Sponsorship deals were signed, logistics were meticulously coordinated, and the venue — a sprawling outdoor space in Victoria Island — was transformed into a massive open-air kitchen. According to organizers, over 150 chefs, volunteers, and food safety experts collaborated on the project, ensuring that every kilogram of jollof rice met GWR’s strict standards.
The cooking began in the early hours of September 12, with giant industrial-sized pots set over controlled heat sources. The process involved sourcing high-quality rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, oil, spices, and proteins — all carefully measured and documented under the supervision of GWR adjudicators.
Witnesses described the atmosphere as electric, with music, dancing, and cheering crowds encouraging Hilda and her team as the pots of jollof rice simmered away. GWR representatives were present to verify that the preparation process complied with record-breaking criteria, which included continuous cooking, proper hygiene, and precise weighing of the final dish.
On Monday, September 15, Guinness World Records took to its official social media handles to announce Hilda’s achievement:
“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”
This official statement was met with excitement across Nigeria, where Hilda Baci is celebrated not just as a chef but as a national treasure and ambassador for Nigerian culture.
Social media platforms erupted in celebration following the announcement. Fans, celebrities, politicians, and everyday Nigerians shared congratulatory messages, with many calling Hilda an inspiration. “Hilda is proof that Nigerians can achieve anything they set their minds to,” tweeted one admirer. “She has taken jollof rice — a dish so symbolic of West African pride — and made it a global talking point.”
Not everyone was celebratory, however. Some critics questioned the relevance of such records, arguing that resources used for such projects could be directed toward addressing hunger and poverty. “Other countries are breaking records in science and technology,” one online commenter wrote. “All we do is break food records.”
Hilda responded diplomatically during a post-event interview, stating that the cooked food was distributed to orphanages, IDP camps, and low-income neighborhoods in Lagos to ensure it did not go to waste. “For me, this was never just about the record — it was about bringing people together, feeding communities, and showing the world what Nigeria is capable of,” she said.
Jollof rice is arguably West Africa’s most famous dish and a source of cultural pride and occasional rivalry between countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Nigeria’s version of the dish is characterized by its deep, smoky flavor and vibrant red-orange color. For many Nigerians, jollof rice is a must-have at parties, weddings, and festive gatherings.
By breaking the world record, Hilda Baci has not only spotlighted Nigerian cuisine but also reignited the playful “Jollof Wars” debate about which country makes the best jollof. Social media threads were filled with lighthearted banter between Nigerians and Ghanaians, with many Nigerians declaring that the record-breaking feat was definitive proof of Nigeria’s culinary supremacy.
Industry experts predict that Hilda Baci’s record will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s food tourism sector. Lagos, already a hub for entertainment and hospitality, may see increased interest from culinary tourists eager to sample authentic Nigerian jollof rice from the source.
Additionally, the event created temporary employment for hundreds of vendors, security personnel, logistics experts, and event planners. Food brands, particularly Gino (the headline sponsor), have reported a significant boost in brand visibility and social media engagement since the announcement.
Pulling off such a large-scale culinary feat was no small task. Hilda and her team reportedly worked round the clock under grueling conditions, ensuring food safety protocols were observed at every step. Health professionals were on-site to monitor fatigue, hydration levels, and overall well-being of the cooks and volunteers.
“Cooking nearly 9,000 kilograms of food is not just about skill, it’s about endurance and leadership,” said one event coordinator. “Hilda demonstrated both, inspiring everyone involved to push through despite exhaustion.”
Hilda Baci has hinted at future projects that will further promote Nigerian cuisine globally. She has spoken about launching a culinary academy to train young chefs, publishing a cookbook focusing on Nigerian recipes, and collaborating with international food festivals.
Her record-breaking jollof rice event may also pave the way for similar large-scale culinary initiatives in Africa, where food is a unifying force that bridges cultural and ethnic divides.
Hilda Baci’s achievement is a reminder that food is more than sustenance — it is culture, identity, and a medium of global storytelling. By cooking the world’s largest serving of jollof rice, she has not only etched her name in the Guinness World Records but has also elevated Nigerian cuisine to an unprecedented level of recognition.
As Nigerians continue to celebrate her feat, the event will likely inspire other chefs, innovators, and dreamers to attempt their own records, further putting Nigeria on the world map for positive achievements.
In the words of one jubilant fan: “This is Nigeria to the world. This is us telling our story through the aroma of jollof rice.”