Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has explained why she reduced her world record attempt from 250 to 200 bags of rice in her bid to set a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice.
The event, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, attracted food enthusiasts, celebrities, and dignitaries, including Nollywood star Funke Akindele, dancer Kaffy, and Ogun State’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun.
Technical Constraints Led to Reduction in Rice
Hilda Baci explained that the decision to reduce the number of rice bags was based on technical limitations with the measuring crane and scale, which could only accommodate a total weight of 20,000 kilogrammes, including the custom-made pot.
“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. It’s safer for me to go below 20,000 kilogrammes so that my scale can carry it all at the same time,” she said.
Despite the reduction, the 200 bags still amounted to 4,000 kilogrammes of rice, enough to feed 20,000 people.
“This 4,000 kilogrammes of rice is 200 bags of rice and it will still feed 20,000 people, so we’re still up there,” Baci added.
Hilda Baci described the project as the most ambitious of her career, requiring almost a year of planning.
From fabricating the custom pots to coordinating the cooking process, the feat took nine months of preparation and nearly nine hours to complete.
“Honestly, Gino and I figuring this whole thing out was hectic. Then it took us about nine months to plan this event and it took us almost nine hours to make the entire meal,” she said.
She emphasized that the initiative was initially conceived not as a Guinness World Record attempt, but as a culinary experience for Nigerians, aimed at bringing people together and feeding as many as possible.
“I mean, have you looked around? There’s a lot of you. Some of you came with your cooler, so we need to make sure everybody’s fed. We’re feeding the nation,” Baci said.
Guinness World Records Sends Support
The London-based Guinness World Records acknowledged the event online, posting a video and message on X (formerly Twitter):
“What’s cookin’? Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice today.”
The recognition comes just two years after Hilda Baci’s 2023 cook-a-thon, which earned her global fame and inspired many young Nigerians to explore careers in the culinary industry.
