Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has officially been confirmed by Guinness World Records (GWR) as the record holder for cooking the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, a feat that took place on September 12, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. The monumental dish weighed 8,780 kilograms (19,356 pounds 9 ounces), setting a new global standard for the beloved West African staple. The confirmation was publicly made on September 15, 2025, after rigorous verification by GWR following the grand cooking event held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The record-breaking event, organised as part of the “Gino World Jollof Festival,” attracted thousands of attendees, including food enthusiasts, celebrities such as Funke Akindele and Ogun State Governor's wife Bamidele Abiodun, as well as numerous supporters. The massive pot used for the attempt was specially designed with a capacity of about 23,000 litres, and the cooking took approximately nine hours to complete. Ingredients included 4,000 kilograms of washed basmati rice, 600 kilograms of onions, 168 kilograms of goat meat, tomato paste, and a mix of spices, all contributing to the rich flavours that define authentic Nigerian jollof rice.
Hilda Baci, who first gained international notoriety in 2023 after breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, once again captured global attention by championing Nigerian cuisine through this latest accomplishment. She highlighted the significance of jollof rice as a dish that represents not only Nigeria but the whole of West Africa, noting that the record reflects the country's culinary leadership in the region.
During the cooking marathon, the enormous pot faced structural challenges, buckling under its own weight twice during weighing preparations. However, none of the rice was lost, and the dish remained intact for presentation to Guinness officials. GWR representatives reviewed footage and evidence from the event before making the official announcement, which was shared on their verified social media accounts, praising the culinary milestone.
The event sparked widespread excitement and social media engagement, with hashtags like #HildaBaci and #GuinnessWorldRecord trending across various platforms. Hilda Baci expressed gratitude to her team and supporters for their tireless efforts, emphasising that the record was not only about setting a world benchmark but also about celebrating Nigerian culture and feeding thousands.