Nigerian chef Hilda Baci breaks new Guinness World Record for cooking and serving thousands from the largest pot of jollof rice.
The massive dish, confirmed by Guinness World Records (GWR) yesterday, Monday, 15 September 2025, weighed an astonishing 8,780 kilograms. She accomplished the feat in partnership with food brand Gino during a vibrant public event at Victoria Island, Lagos.
Baci, who first gained international recognition in 2023 for her record-breaking cook-a-thon, said her latest achievement was about more than just numbers.
“I wanted to showcase Nigeria as the giant of Africa and celebrate the cultural significance of jollof rice,” she declared.
The event drew thousands of spectators, including celebrities, food lovers, and curious onlookers who came to witness history.
A culinary team of over 300 people supported the effort, working tirelessly around the clock. The chef prepared the record-breaking rice in a custom-made pot with a capacity of 22,619 liters, specifically designed for the occasion.
Beyond the grandeur of the record itself, the event also served as a unifying celebration of Nigeria’s food culture. Guests enjoyed live performances, tastings, and the electric atmosphere of a Lagos crowd cheering on one of the country’s most recognizable culinary ambassadors.
For Hilda Baci, breaking a new Guinness World Record with jollof rice marks another milestone in a career built on passion, resilience, and national pride. By turning Nigeria’s most iconic dish into a global spectacle, she has once again reminded the world of the creativity and cultural depth that defines the nation’s cuisine.
With this record, Baci strengthens her status as a culinary trailblazer who continues to push boundaries while flying the Nigerian flag high.
Dr. Tony Onyima, who teaches Media at Paul University Awka, described Hilda Baci’s branding story as a marketing triumph.
Hilda’s story was so compelling that people—from influencers to journalists—became her megaphones. The impact rippled across industries. As visitors flew in from Africa, Europe, and North America, Lagos hotels filled up. Airlines saw a bump in traffic. For many, this was their first taste of Nigeria as a culinary tourism hub.