GWR: Hilda Baci done with cooking largest pot of jollof rice , awaits verdict

By Joan Odafe and Dele Eniola

With 200 bags of rice cooked in about nine hours inside a 22,619-litre pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, Nigeria’s celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, on Saturday achieved her culinary feat of cooking the largest pot of jollof rice in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR).

Baci successfully completed the feat, though the 28-year-old chef had initially planned to cook 250 bags of Basmati rice.

But she reduced the number of bags to 200 bags due to weighing challenges.

The event, held at car park B of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, tagged, ‘Gino World Jollof Festival’, was attended by fans, food vendors and entertainers, who turned out en mass to support the chef.

After the preparation of the jollof rice, it was distributed to over 30,000 people in takeaway packs.

People were also encouraged to bring their coolers as the food was in excess.

Baci record attempt would inspire new generation of creatives

The Federal Government had on Friday commended Baci in her quest to set a new GWR for cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the effort was another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.

Idris gave the commendation through Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, at the event venue.

Idris expressed optimism that her record attempt would inspire a new generation and creatives.

“We encourage more young Nigerians to channel their creativity and talents into ventures that will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to national development and global recognition,” he said.

Nigerian influencers and Nollywood stars including Funke Akindele, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye among others, joined thousands of fans to support Baci during the event.

Students of Bethesda Home and School for The Blind were also at the event to lend their support to the chef.

Nigerian cuisines on display

The record-breaking feat adds another milestone to Baci’s growing list of achievements while showcasing Nigerian cuisine on the global stage.

The event which began on Friday was a gathering of food enthusiasts, fans, well-wishers, influencers and local vendors with the giant Jollof pot as the star attraction

The event was tagged, ‘Gino World Jollof Festival’.

Food stalls offered a variety of local delicacies including roasted plantain, roasted potatoes and fish, served with pepper sauce and garnished with vegetables; soups and different varieties of pepper soup.

There were also local drinks including kunu nzaki, zobo, tigernut, soy milk, small chops such as puff puff, mosa and samosas, as well as snacks like potato chips spiced with different flavours.

Nigerian actor and content creator, Charles Born, highlighted how Nigerian food has continued to gain global attention.

“Associating with Hilda and the brands supporting her means our food is being put on the map even more,” he said.

Vendors also observed the interest from visitors eager to try new foods and drinks.

The Chief Executive Officer of Zee Foods, Zuwaira Salisu, said a guest asked about ‘Kunu Nzaki,’ a millet-based drink and promised returning to buy, after learning about its benefits.

For food enthusiast, caterer Oghene Tejiri, the event was an opportunity to taste regional dishes and celebrate Nigerian flavours.

“I moved around and just had to come to where they had the food vendors, and I got small chops. It was very, very nice.

“I also had their tiger nuts which tasted so, so nice.

“Beyond Jollof Rice, we have amazing meals. Down to our local soups and meals from different states,” she said.

With food, music and a celebratory atmosphere, Baci’s record quest served as a cultural showcase, affirming her role not just in breaking records but in spotlighting Nigerian cuisine to the world.

(NAN)