Why Hilda Baci Reduced Jollof Rice to 200 Bags

Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has clarified why she decided to cook 200 bags of rice rather than the 250 bags originally planned for her latest record-breaking effort.

The challenge, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos,on Friday, September 12, 2025.

It drew huge crowds and had the atmosphere of a festival. Music, dancing, and appearances by notable figures such as Funke Akindele, Kaffy, and the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, gave the event a celebratory feel.

Technical Reason Behind the Adjustment

Baci explained that her decision was not due to shortage or logistics but rather the technical limitations of the weighing equipment.

“The measuring crane and scale could only take a maximum of 20,000kg, including the pot itself,” she said.
“My target was between 17,000kg and 18,000kg of rice, but with the pot included, it reached the limit. To stay safe, I reduced it by about 1,000kg.”

As a result, she prepared 4,000kg of rice from the 200 bags—enough to serve approximately 20,000 people.

Planning the Giant Cookout

Describing it as her most challenging project so far, Baci noted that it took close to a year of preparation. The custom-made pot alone required two months of fabrication, while planning the overall event stretched across nine months.

The cooking itself lasted nearly nine hours. “It was stressful but very rewarding. The goal was to cook at scale and ensure everyone who came had something to eat,” she said.

More Than Just a Record Attempt

Baci revealed that the initiative started as a community feeding project, not necessarily a Guinness World Record attempt.

“When I first thought about it, it was about creating a food experience and bringing people together. Records were secondary—we just wanted to feed as many people as possible,” she explained.

Guinness World Record Sends Support

The London-based record body acknowledged her effort online, posting:
“Best of luck to @hildabacicooks attempting the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.”

This new feat comes just two years after her 2023 cook-a-thon, which made her a global culinary star and inspired many young Nigerians to pursue careers in food.

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