Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has shared the jaw-dropping details behind her Guinness World Record attempt for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice, revealing that she used over 4,000 kilograms of rice and hundreds of litres of oil to achieve the historic feat.
The remarkable culinary event, which took place on September 12, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, drew thousands of fans, food lovers, and supporters who gathered to witness what has now become a moment of national pride.
In a new video posted to her TikTok handle @hildabacion, Hilda broke down the massive quantities of ingredients used during the event, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look into what it truly took to pull off the ambitious record attempt.
“It wasn’t just about rice and pepper; it was about joy, love, and community,” she said, describing the event as more than just a cooking contest, but a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and Nigeria’s rich food culture.
According to Hilda, the Guinness World Record jollof pot was made up of the following:
4,000 kg of washed basmati rice
612 kg of cooking oil
800 kg of Gino Asun peppered chicken + party jollof
600 kg of her signature jollof pepper mix
220 kg of Gino Asun & peppered chicken cubes
20 g of Gino curry powder and 7 g of thyme
300 kg of blended onions, garlic, and ginger
164 kg of fresh goat meat
1,200 kg of cooking gas
The dish took a total of 9 hours to prepare and yielded an impressive 16,600 plates of jollof rice, served to guests, staff, and community members at the event.
Originally, Hilda planned to hold the cookout at Muri Okunola Park, a popular event space in Lagos. However, for logistical and safety reasons, the venue was later changed to Eko Hotel and Suites, which offered better support for the scale of the event.
To ensure nothing went wrong, Hilda and her team conducted a trial run weeks before the main day, testing the massive pot, flame control, and timing of ingredient combinations. On the morning of the attempt, the giant jollof pot was delivered to the venue by 4:00 am, signalling the start of what would become a day to remember.
The team worked in shifts to manage the fire, stir the rice, monitor temperature, and maintain hygiene standards, all under the close watch of Guinness World Record officials.
Hilda Baci’s record attempt follows her earlier success in 2023 when she made headlines for a record-breaking 93-hour cook-a-thon, which earned her international recognition and inspired countless Nigerians.
This latest attempt has not only strengthened her profile as one of Africa’s leading culinary talents but also highlighted Nigerian jollof rice as a beloved national dish worthy of global celebration.
Many Nigerians have hailed the event as a unifying cultural moment, with thousands sharing photos and videos online. Celebrities, government officials, and influencers also expressed support, noting the importance of promoting Nigerian food on the world stage.
Speaking about the motivation behind the record attempt, Hilda said it was never just about cooking for fame. She wanted to use the opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s hospitality, culture, and spirit of togetherness.
“It’s about proving that when Nigerians come together, we can do incredible things,” she said. “Food brings us together, and jollof rice is something we all love.”
Though Guinness World Records is yet to officially confirm the success of the jollof attempt as of the time of this report, many believe Hilda has once again cooked her way into history.
Whether or not the attempt makes it into the record books, the impact has already been felt nationwide. From the energy at the venue to the thousands fed, Hilda Baci’s jollof pot has served more than just food—it has served hope, unity, and national pride.
