Hilda Baci Aims to Shatter Records with the World’s Largest Pot of Nigerian Jollof Rice at Gino World Jollof Festival

Hilda Baci Aims to Shatter Records with the World’s Largest Pot of Nigerian Jollof Rice at Gino World Jollof Festival

Lagos, Nigeria – September 12, 2025 – Today, Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci is making culinary history at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, where she is leading an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice ever cooked. The event, part of the free-to-attend “Gino World Jollof Festival,” is a vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture, blending food, music, and community spirit, with over 20,000 attendees expected to witness this monumental feat.

A Record-Breaking Vision

Hilda Baci, already a household name after her 2023 Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (93 hours and 19 minutes, later surpassed by Alan Fisher), has set her sights on a new culinary milestone. The idea to create the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, a beloved West African dish, has been nearly two years in the making. Baci’s vision is not just about breaking a record but about showcasing Nigerian cuisine on a global stage. “Jollof rice is more than food; it’s our culture, our pride,” Baci shared in a pre-event interview. “This is about bringing people together and making history with the most delicious jollof ever.”

The Scale of the Challenge

The centerpiece of this record-breaking attempt is a custom-built cooking pot that is nothing short of extraordinary. Measuring 6 meters in width and 6 meters in height, with a staggering volume of 22,619 liters, the pot is designed to hold approximately 80% of its capacity for this attempt. To put that into perspective, the pot will contain:

• 250 bags of basmati rice (approximately 5,278 kg total).
• 1,583 kg of Gino tomato paste, split evenly across tomato paste, pepper chicken paste, and jollof paste varieties.
• Massive quantities of onions, peppers, proteins, and other staple ingredients, all meticulously prepared by a dedicated team.

The logistics are mind-boggling. A team of chefs, assistants, and volunteers has been working tirelessly to prep ingredients, with industrial-scale equipment ensuring the rice cooks evenly and the flavors remain authentic. The pot itself, heated by a specially designed system, has become a spectacle, drawing crowds and social media buzz even before the cooking began.

The Gino World Jollof Festival

The record attempt is the highlight of the Gino World Jollof Festival, a free event organized to celebrate Nigerian culture. Held at the iconic Eko Hotel, the festival features live performances from top Nigerian artists, food stalls offering jollof rice variations, and interactive activities for attendees. The atmosphere is electric, with thousands already gathered to cheer Baci on. The event is also being streamed live on social media platforms, allowing global audiences to join in the excitement.

Guinness World Records has sent a goodwill message to Baci and her team, acknowledging the significance of the attempt. While no official record for the largest pot of jollof rice currently exists, a successful attempt today would set a new benchmark, cementing Nigeria’s culinary prowess in the global record books.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion

Baci’s journey to this moment has been one of resilience and ambition. Her 2023 cooking marathon, where she cooked for over 93 hours straight, captured the world’s attention and inspired a generation of young Nigerians. Though she lost that title to Ireland’s Alan Fisher, Baci’s determination never wavered. “This isn’t just about a record,” she said. “It’s about showing what we can achieve when we come together as a community.”

The jollof rice attempt is a testament to her vision of unity. The dish itself, a vibrant mix of rice, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, is a cultural touchstone across West Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana famously debating who makes it best. By cooking it on such an unprecedented scale, Baci is not only celebrating Nigerian jollof but also inviting the world to appreciate its rich flavors.

Real-Time Updates

As of 12:08 PM WAT on September 12, 2025, the cooking process is well underway. Social media posts from the event show the massive pot being heated, with clouds of steam rising as ingredients are added. Baci, surrounded by her team, is overseeing every step, ensuring the jollof maintains its signature taste despite the colossal scale. Videos circulating on X show crowds chanting her name, with live music adding to the festive vibe.

What’s Next?

If successful, this record will mark a historic moment for Nigerian cuisine and culture. The jollof rice will be shared with attendees, ensuring that no food goes to waste, and portions may be distributed to local communities, aligning with Baci’s commitment to giving back. The Guinness World Records team is on-site to verify the attempt, measuring everything from the pot’s dimensions to the final weight of the cooked rice.

For those unable to attend in person, the live stream offers a front-row seat to the action. Follow along on platforms like X, where hashtags like #GinoWorldJollofFestival and #HildaBaciJollof are trending, or check Baci’s official channels for updates.

A Celebration of Nigerian Pride

Hilda Baci’s attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice is more than a culinary challenge—it’s a love letter to Nigeria. From the massive pot to the thousands of kilos of ingredients, every element of this event reflects the audacity and passion of a nation that takes pride in its food and culture. As the world watches, Baci is proving that Nigerian jollof isn’t just a dish; it’s a global phenomenon.