Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has once again placed Nigeria on the global culinary map by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice.
The monumental dish, weighing 8,780 kilograms, was unveiled in Lagos before a cheering crowd of supporters.
The record-breaking attempt almost hit a snag when the massive, custom-built pot began to buckle under the weight during the official weighing process. Quick intervention by engineers and event organizers ensured the structure was stabilized, allowing the feat to be certified.
According to Guinness World Records, the giant jollof was made using 4,000 kilograms of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600 kilograms of onions, and 168 kilograms of goat meat, among other ingredients.
Baci worked alongside 10 assistant chefs in a marathon cooking session that drew thousands of spectators.
Beyond the celebration of Nigerian cuisine, Baci highlighted the cultural significance of the achievement. “This record is not just mine; it belongs to every Nigerian who believes in the power of our food and traditions,” she said while dedicating the milestone to her supporters nationwide.
The jollof feast turned into a carnival-like event as portions of the meal were freely distributed to the crowd, transforming the record attempt into a communal celebration of food, culture, and pride.
Baci’s triumph comes two years after her historic 2023 Guinness recognition for the longest cooking marathon, where she cooked non-stop for 93 hours and 11 minutes. With her latest win, she cements her status as one of Africa’s most celebrated culinary icons.
