By Peter Omopo
Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing an astonishing 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).
The achievement, made in partnership with food brand Gino on Friday in Victoria Island, Lagos, was confirmed by Guinness World Records (GWR) in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria,” GWR announced.
Baci, who first gained global attention with her record-breaking cook-a-thon in 2023, once again drew massive crowds, celebrities, and dignitaries to witness the culinary feat.
Before the attempt, the chef revealed that she planned to use a specially designed 22,619-litre pot, targeting 80 per cent capacity. She estimated that about 250 bags of rice would be needed but eventually cooked 200 bags, yielding 4,000 kilogrammes of rice—enough to serve 20,000 people.
The atmosphere at the venue was carnival-like, with music, dancing, and appearances from celebrities such as Nollywood star Funke Akindele, who joined Baci in stirring the tomato base, and dancer Kaffy. Ogun State’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, was also in attendance. Other notable personalities included Tomike Adeoye, Enioluwa, Peller, Veekee James, Femi Atere, Tacha, Papaya, Alex Unusual, and singer Spyro.
Speaking to reporters, Baci explained that the weighing process factored in the pot and all ingredients, noting that the final measurement nearly reached the 20,000 kilogramme scale limit.
Her successful attempt not only secured a Guinness World Record title but also highlighted Nigerian jollof rice on a global stage, reinforcing its place as a symbol of West African culinary pride.
