Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially confirmed Nigerian chef and restaurateur, Hilda Baci, as a three-time world record holder, following the recognition of her largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice as also the largest serving of rice ever prepared globally.
The confirmation was announced on Wednesday via Guinness World Records’ official X (formerly Twitter) page, putting to rest weeks of speculation after Baci hinted that her earlier achievement had earned her an additional record.
“Yes, it’s true! @hildabacicooks is a three-time @GWR holder after her largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice has also been awarded the record title for the largest serving of rice overall,” the organisation stated.
The latest recognition stems from a cookout held in Lagos, during which Baci prepared an extraordinary 8,780 kilograms of Nigerian-style jollof rice. The feat had initially been recognised as the world’s largest serving of Nigerian jollof rice. However, Guinness World Records has now confirmed that the same achievement also qualifies as the largest serving of rice of any kind ever recorded, thereby earning Baci a second title from the same event.
Reacting to the announcement, Baci expressed excitement and surprise, describing the moment as both shocking and fulfilling.
“So what I thought was one record turned out to be two,” she said. “And now, officially, that makes three Guinness World Records in total. I’m shocked and happy at the same time.”
This latest milestone adds to Baci’s growing list of global accolades. In May 2023, she captured international attention after completing a 93-hour, 11-minute cooking marathon in Lagos, smashing the previous world record and becoming Nigeria’s first chef to achieve such a feat. The achievement not only placed Nigeria on the global culinary map but also sparked widespread national pride and celebrations across the country.
Baci’s accomplishments have since positioned her as one of Africa’s most recognisable culinary figures. Beyond record-breaking, she has leveraged her platform to promote Nigerian cuisine, inspire young creatives and advocate resilience and excellence within the hospitality industry.
Industry watchers say her latest recognition further underscores the global appeal of Nigerian food, particularly jollof rice, a dish that holds deep cultural significance across West Africa and continues to generate international interest.
With three Guinness World Records now to her name, Hilda Baci remains a symbol of determination and innovation, reinforcing Nigeria’s presence in global cultural and creative spaces. Many of her supporters believe the chef is not done yet and may be setting her sights on even more ambitious records in the future.
