Hilda Baci cooks the World’s Largest Pot of Jollof Rice
On September 12, 2025, Nigerian chef and TV personality Hilda Baci undertook a historic culinary feat by preparing the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos during the “Gino World Jollof Festival.” This ambitious challenge was designed to celebrate Nigerian cuisine and showcase Hilda Baci’s culinary expertise on the global stage.
For the record-setting event, Hilda Baci cooked approximately 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice—equivalent to 200 bags—inside a specially constructed pot measuring six meters in diameter and six meters in height, with a capacity of 22,619 liters. While the original plan was to cook 5,000 kilograms, adjustments were made due to weighing challenges. The cooking process attracted more than 20,000 participants, including celebrities, influencers, and students, highlighting the strong public interest in Nigerian culinary culture.
After hours of cooking, the Jollof rice was distributed to over 30,000 people in takeaway portions, allowing attendees to share in the success of the event. Unfortunately, a technical failure caused the massive pot to tip over after cooking was complete, but the incident did not diminish the achievement or the celebratory atmosphere.
This record attempt underscores Hilda Baci’s commitment to promoting Nigerian cuisine and her determination to inspire culinary excellence both locally and internationally. Beyond breaking records, the event reinforced Jollof rice as a symbol of cultural pride and unity. Hilda Baci’s feat demonstrates that innovation, dedication, and cultural promotion can come together in a single, extraordinary culinary accomplishment.
The event leaves a lasting legacy, showing the world that Nigerian cuisine is not only delicious but capable of inspiring awe and community celebration on an unprecedented scale.
