Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has broken the world record for cooking the largest ever pot of jollof rice in Lagos last week.
Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed the achievement on social media, stating that Ms. Baci's magnificent creation weighed an astounding 8,780 kg.
After nine hours of dedicated cooking, the endeavor faced a near-disaster when the giant pot, used for cooking the dish, buckled as it was lifted onto a crane for weighing—but miraculously, none of the rice spilled.
In her triumph, Ms. Baci expressed gratitude towards her team and supporters, proclaiming, This moment isn't just mine... it belongs to all of us.
Despite the significant risks, a team member reassured that they were gathering evidence for GWR to ensure official recognition of the monumental achievement.
“This Guinness World Record was founded on unity, love, and collective strength,” Baci declared. “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.”
The recipe for her record-setting jollof rice included 4,000 kg of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600 kg of onions, and 168 kg of goat meat, all cooked in a custom-made pot that holds 23,000 liters.
Thousands gathered last week in support of Baci’s latest world record attempt, marking her as a national sensation after having previously held records for the longest cooking marathon. With her culinary skills and dedication, Baci not only showcased Nigerian culture but also divided the massive dish into individual portions for the crowd, celebrating a bond rooted in shared food traditions.
“As Nigerians, we are the giant of Africa,” Baci said. “Jollof is a food that everyone knows us for; having the biggest pot of jollof rice is a proud achievement for our country.”
This accomplishment serves to reinforce the powerful connection between food and cultural identity, illustrating that culinary traditions can unite communities around the world.
