Amanze Chinonye
Nigerian culinary star Hilda Baci has secured another place in the history books after Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed her achievement for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing a record-breaking 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 pounds 9 ounces).
The feat, achieved in collaboration with food brand Gino, took place on Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing a jubilant crowd of food lovers, influencers, and culinary enthusiasts who witnessed the massive display of Nigeria’s beloved party dish. Guinness World Records officially announced the milestone on Monday via its X (formerly Twitter) page.
“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,” the Guinness post read.
A Celebration of Culture and Taste
Guinness World Records said the record was verified after a meticulous weighing process to ensure compliance with global standards. The event showcased Nigeria’s signature jollof rice a smoky, tomato-rich delicacy that remains a culinary symbol of West African pride and rivalry.
“This achievement reflects not only the incredible planning and teamwork but also celebrates the cultural significance of jollof rice,” GWR said in its confirmation statement.
Festival of Flavour and Fame
The record-breaking cookout turned into a lively festival of music, dance, and celebration as crowds of food lovers, dignitaries, and celebrities gathered to witness the historic moment. Nollywood star Funke Akindele joined Baci on stage to commend her resilience and even helped stir the tomato base, while the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, offered her support.
Other famous faces included Kaffy, Tomike Adeoye, Enioluwa, Peller, Veekee James, Femi Atere, Tacha, Papaya, Samuel Banks, Alex Unusual, Folagbade Banks, and Spyro, turning the event into a glittering celebration of Nigerian culture.
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Hilda Baci’s Culinary Star Power
Baci, already a household name after her 2023 Cook-a-thon world record, described the new feat as a testament to Nigeria’s creativity and love for food.
“This is more than just cooking rice; it’s about bringing people together and celebrating our culture on a global stage,” she told reporters shortly after the record was confirmed.
The massive jollof serving was cooked using thousands of kilograms of rice, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, all carefully measured to meet Guinness standards. Gino, known for its seasoning products, provided key ingredients and logistics support for the challenge.
Cooking on a Grand Scale
Speaking ahead of the attempt, Baci revealed that the custom-made pot used for the challenge had a 22,619-litre capacity, with a target to fill it to 80 percent. She initially planned to use 264 bags of basmati rice (about 5,278 kg) but scaled down to 200 bags due to the 20,000-kilogramme weight limit of the crane and scale used to weigh the pot and cooked dish.
“If you notice when we started, we weighed the pot and we need to weigh every single thing that goes into the pot when we’re done,” Baci explained.
“The goal was that by the time I was done making 5,000 kilogrammes, I was hoping to achieve about 17,000 to 18,000 kilogrammes. Right now, if I include the weight of the pot, that’s about 20,000.”
According to her team, the 200 bags of rice ultimately produced 4,000 kilogrammes of jollof, enough to feed 20,000 people.
Nigeria’s Jollof Pride on the World Map
Nigeria’s jollof rice has long been at the center of a friendly culinary rivalry with Ghana, Senegal, and other West African nations. This new record reinforces Nigeria’s place as a global ambassador of the dish, further sparking excitement across social media where hashtags such as #JollofWorldRecord and #HildaBaci quickly trended.
Food enthusiasts say the record will also boost Nigeria’s food tourism and agribusiness sectors by spotlighting the country’s rich culinary heritage.
What’s Next for Hilda Baci
While basking in her latest triumph, Baci hinted at more projects ahead.
“This is just the beginning,” she said, promising more innovative culinary experiences that would put Nigerian food on the world map.
The record-breaking jollof rice serving stands as a delicious symbol of national pride one that marries culinary excellence, teamwork, and Nigeria’s enduring love affair with its most iconic dish.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
