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 concoction of the popular West African dish weighed in at a staggering 8,780kg.
After nine hours of cooking, the effort was almost jeopardized when the giant pot used to make the dish broke as it was being hoisted onto a crane for weighing; fortunately, none of the rice was spilled.
Ms. Baci celebrated her triumph by thanking her team and supporters: This moment isn't just mine... it belongs to all of us.
Despite the massive pot buckling during its weigh-in, a member of Baci's team reported they were collecting evidence from various cameras to submit to GWR for official recognition.
Baci credited the achievement to the tireless team behind her, sharing a video of her reaction to the news on social media. This Guinness World Record was built on unity, love, and collective strength, she wrote. 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.
Her jollof recipe included 4,000kg of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600kg of onions, and 168kg of goat meat, all poured into a custom-made pot capable of holding 23,000 liters.
Last week, thousands gathered to witness Baci's world record attempt. Their support was rewarded as the enormous dish was later divided into individual portions for those present.
Planning for the monumental challenge took Baci a year, as she aimed to showcase Nigerian pride. We {Nigerians} are the giant of Africa, and jollof is a food that everybody knows Africans for, she stated.
Baci was assisted by 10 other chefs in red uniforms wielding long wooden spoons, demonstrating teamwork in action. The giant steel vessel to hold her dish was crafted by a team of 300 people over two months.
Jollof rice is a recognized staple in several West African countries, celebrated for its rich tomato sauce and typically paired with meat or seafood.
Baci, who previously won acclaim for her version of jollof rice and set a record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, now holds this notable new title.
As the culinary record landscape evolves, Baci’s latest accomplishment illustrates not only individual talent but also the impact of collective effort and cultural pride in African cuisine.
