Hilda Baci to Cook World’s Largest Pot of Jollof Rice in September

Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has announced her next big challenge which is to cook jollof rice in the world’s largest pot.

The attempt is set for September 12, 2025, and will mark another bold step in her journey of breaking records.

According to Hilda, the inspiration to compete came almost two years ago. She explained that the pot will measure six meters by six meters wide, making it the largest ever used for cooking. Sharing her excitement with fans, she wrote:

“Almost 2 years ago, I had the dream to cook the largest pot of Jollof Rice ever made. And now, with @ginonaija and YOU, that dream is coming alive

6 meters by 6 meters wide. 12th September, we make history together.”

Hilda Baci became a household name after her record-breaking cooking marathon in Lagos last year. She started cooking on Thursday, May 11, 2023, and continued until Monday, May 15, 2023. During the four days, she prepared over 100 pots of food, attracting global attention and massive support from Nigerians at home and abroad.

In June 2023, Guinness World Records officially confirmed her as the world record holder for the longest cooking marathon with a time of 93 hours and 11 minutes. She had aimed for 100 hours, but nearly seven hours were deducted because she mistakenly exceeded her allowed rest time during one of her breaks. Before Hilda’s achievement, the record was held by Lata Tondon from India, who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019.

However, Hilda’s reign as the record holder was short-lived. On November 7, 2023, an Irishman, Alan Fisher, set a new record after cooking for an astonishing 119 hours and 57 minutes at his restaurant in Japan, taking the title from her.

Despite losing the record, Hilda Baci remains an inspiration to many. Her new challenge with the world’s largest pot of jollof rice has already generated excitement among her fans, who are eager to see her make history once again.