Hilda Baci Begins Guinness World Record Attempt for Largest Pot of Jollof Rice

Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has embarked on another ambitious culinary challenge this time, to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice using 250 bags of rice.

The record attempt officially kicked off at Eko Hotels, Lagos, on Thursday, in front of a lively crowd of fans, supporters, and food lovers eager to witness history being made. Baci, who rose to international fame in 2023 after smashing the record for the longest cooking marathon, is once again taking center stage with a project that celebrates one of West Africa’s most beloved dishes.

Before the giant pot was set on fire, Baci shared an intimate moment with her mother. The duo clasped hands in prayer, asking for divine strength, protection, and endurance to carry her through the physically demanding task. The touching scene drew emotional cheers from the audience, many of whom described her mother as a strong pillar behind her success.

Spectators erupted in applause as the pair concluded their prayer, with several fans visibly moved by the show of humility and faith. For Baci, who has often spoken about the influence of her family on her culinary career, the moment reinforced the deep cultural and spiritual roots of her journey.

Adding a touch of humor and personality to the occasion, Hilda took to Instagram shortly before the cooking commenced, sharing that she personally scrubbed the massive pot that will carry the history-making dish.

“Yes, I can officially confirm this pot is squeaky clean! I rolled up my sleeves and washed it myself. In just a few hours, this same pot will carry thousands of servings of Nigerian Jollof history in the making,” she wrote.

Her post quickly went viral, sparking admiration and excitement among her online community, many of whom praised her hands-on approach despite the scale of the event.

Originally scheduled to hold at Muri Okunola Park, the event was relocated to Eko Hotels after overwhelming interest from fans and partners. Organizers revealed that over 20,000 people registered to attend, forcing the team to secure a larger venue that could accommodate the turnout.

The relocation to Eko Hotels provided not only more space but also a grander atmosphere befitting the scale of the challenge. Attendees were treated to live music, cultural displays, and food exhibitions, giving the event a festival-like feel even before the cooking began.

For many observers, Hilda Baci’s latest feat is more than just about breaking a Guinness World Record; it is a celebration of Nigerian cuisine, culture, and resilience. Jollof rice, a staple across West Africa, has often sparked debates over its origin and variations. With this monumental attempt, Nigeria is once again stamping its culinary identity on the global stage.

As the rice simmers and anticipation builds, fans across the country and beyond are rallying behind Hilda Baci, hoping to see her name etched in Guinness history for the second time. Whether she breaks the record or not, one thing is clear: the “Jollof Challenge” has already captured the hearts of millions.