Nigerian chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has unveiled her ambitious plan to cook what she hopes will become the world’s biggest pot of jollof rice, using a staggering 250 bags of rice.
Baci, who made global headlines in 2023 after setting the record for the longest cooking marathon, shared details of her new project in a video posted on Instagram on Monday.
The culinary star broke down the scale of the task, offering followers a glimpse into the calculations, logistics, and ingredients required to pull off the extraordinary feat.
At the heart of the attempt is a custom-made pot with a capacity of 22,619 litres. Baci explained that her target is to fill the massive vessel to at least 75 to 80 per cent capacity, which would translate to thousands of portions of the iconic West African dish.
“My goal is to fill this pot up by at least 75 to 80 per cent. That means I will need about 5,278 kilogrammes of raw basmati rice to achieve the yield,” she said.
Based on her calculations, that figure comes to approximately 264 bags of rice. However, Baci revealed she had made a strategic adjustment to settle on 250 bags for the record attempt.
The scale of the cooking goes beyond rice. To create a balanced and flavorful Nigerian jollof, the chef disclosed that she will need an equally massive supply of condiments and spices.
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“For one kilogramme of rice, you would need between 0.20 to 0.35 kilogrammes of tomato paste. But because it’s Nigerian jollof, I’m going to use 0.30. That means I will need 1,583 kilogrammes of tomato paste,” Baci explained.
She added that the tomato base would be shared evenly across tomato paste, pepper chicken paste, and jollof paste to ensure the meal is both authentic and delicious.
“My aim is not just to cook the largest pot of rice, but to make the most delicious, largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice you have ever tasted,” she said with a smile.
Hilda Baci is no stranger to large-scale cooking projects. In May 2023, she captivated global audiences during her cook-a-thon in Lagos, where she spent four consecutive days cooking to set the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
Her perseverance, energy, and culinary expertise won her millions of admirers, including recognition from world leaders, celebrities, and international media.
That record-breaking feat not only brought her international acclaim but also cemented her status as a cultural ambassador for Nigerian cuisine.
With her latest project, Baci appears determined to take things even further by showcasing the richness of jollof rice, arguably one of West Africa’s most hotly debated dishes.
Jollof rice is more than just food in West Africa; it is a symbol of culture, identity, and pride. Each country in the region, from Ghana to Senegal, lays claim to having the best version. For Nigeria, the dish is a staple at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings.
By attempting to cook the largest pot of jollof rice, Baci is not only setting her sights on another world record but also putting Nigerian culinary heritage on the global stage.
Baci’s announcement has generated widespread curiosity and excitement online. Fans flooded her comment section with messages of support, pledging to cheer her on when the record attempt begins. Some even joked about volunteering to help with tasting duties.
Industry observers note that the project will require massive planning, coordination, and sponsorship, from sourcing ingredients in bulk to ensuring safety, logistics, and distribution of the food once it is cooked.
Despite the challenges, Baci’s track record has fueled confidence that she will deliver. For many Nigerians, the attempt is about more than breaking a record; it is about showcasing resilience, creativity, and cultural pride through food.
As Baci put it herself: “This is not just about breaking a record. It’s about creating history with Nigerian jollof.”
