Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has shed light on her decision to reduce the quantity of rice in her latest record-breaking cooking attempt.
Speaking at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, where she is leading an ambitious effort to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice, Baci said the reduction was based on technical limitations.
“We initially planned for 250 bags, but I had to cut it down to 200,” she told journalists.
“The scale and crane used to weigh the dish can only handle 20,000 kilogrammes, including the pot. To stay within that limit, I had to reduce the rice. It was safer to go below the maximum capacity.”
According to her, the 200 bags cooked still produced 4,000 kilogrammes of Jollof rice, “enough to feed at least 20,000 people.”
Baci, who gained international recognition after her 2023 cook-a-thon, described this challenge as the biggest of her career. “It took us almost a year to plan this event. Designing and fabricating the pots alone took months. Honestly, it has been both stressful and rewarding,” she said.
The event, which kicked off on Friday morning, quickly turned into a carnival, attracting a cheering crowd, entertainers, and dignitaries, including Nollywood star Funke Akindele, dancer Kaffy, and Ogun State First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun.
Despite the intense pressure, Baci emphasized that the initiative was not solely about world records. “When I came up with this idea, it wasn’t about Guinness. It was about bringing people together and making sure everyone eats. We’re feeding the nation,” she said with a smile.
Global attention has trailed the project, with Guinness World Records posting a message of support on X (formerly Twitter). “Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice today,” the organization wrote.
As the massive pot of Jollof was being prepared, Baci assured her supporters that every visitor would get a taste. “We’re not done yet because the food still has to be shared, but so far, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said.
The attempt comes two years after Guinness officially recognized her record-breaking cook-a-thon, which made her a household name and inspired many young Nigerians to venture into the culinary space.
