Global spotlight fell on Lagos on Friday as celebrity chef and record-breaker Hilda Baci attempted to cook the world’s largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice at the Gino World Jollof Festival held at Eko Hotels & Suites.
In a playful nod to the occasion, Guinness World Records (GWR) took to its official X page with the message:
“What’s cookin’? Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice today.”
The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of engagements from fans and supporters who see the endorsement as a validation of Nigeria’s culinary pride on the global stage.
The event, which featured a custom-made pot measuring about 6 metres wide and 22,619 litres in volume, was a carnival of food, music, and culture. Organised in partnership with seasoning brand Gino, the festival welcomed over 20,000 registered attendees who trooped into Eko Hotel’s Car Park B to witness the spectacle.
Beyond the massive pot, the day turned into a celebration of Nigerian identity with live DJs, cultural displays, street-food vendors, and enthusiastic fans chanting as Baci and her team worked tirelessly around the bubbling pot.
Guinness World Records’ real-time engagement added to the festival’s excitement, reminding audiences that the feat is not just a local celebration but an internationally recognised attempt. If successful, it will earn Hilda Baci her second Guinness title after her record-breaking Cook-a-Thon in 2023, which made her a household name across Africa.
Online reactions ranged from admiration for her ambition to lighthearted debates about who makes the best jollof Nigeria or Ghana.
As the giant pot simmered at Eko Hotel, one thing was clear: whether or not Guinness confirms the record, Hilda Baci has once again put Nigerian cuisine at the centre of global conversation.
