Hilda Baci, a talented Nigerian chef, has taken the nation by storm as she embarked on a remarkable culinary journey to break the Guinness World Record. For over 90 hours, Hilda cooked tirelessly, captivating the attention of politicians, celebrities, and an enthusiastic crowd.
Since she turned on her cooker at 15:00 GMT on Thursday, Hilda Baci has skillfully prepared over 100 different dishes, showcasing her culinary prowess and creativity. With notable figures egging her on, she aimed to surpass the current record of 87 hours and 45 minutes, set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in Rewa, central India, in 2019.
Although no official representatives from Guinness World Records were present at the upscale venue in Lekki, Lagos, CCTV cameras were installed to monitor the event. Hilda, 27 years old, initially planned to cook for 96 hours until 15:00 GMT on Monday. However, fueled by the enthusiastic support of the camped crowd, she persevered until she reached the impressive 100-hour milestone.
Meet Hilda Baci, Nigerian Chef who broke Guinness World Record
Throughout her marathon cooking session, Hilda Baci delighted guests with a diverse array of dishes. From traditional Nigerian favorites like jollof rice to various rice and pasta variations, she also skillfully prepared akara, a beloved street food made from deep-fried mashed beans. The food was generously shared with invited guests, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
To ensure her well-being during the rigorous feat, Hilda had the support of one assistant at a time and could take brief five-minute breaks each hour or accumulate them over several hours. Despite the physical exertion, she remained determined and expressed her gratitude for the strength of young people when provided with the right platform and support.
Visible signs of fatigue necessitated measures to alleviate her discomfort. Cold compresses were applied to her head, and foot massages were administered during her breaks. A dedicated medical assistant diligently monitored her vital signs, ensuring her well-being throughout the cooking marathon.
Hilda Baci’s remarkable attempt has captivated the entire country, with politicians and celebrities visiting the venue to cheer her on. Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, personally attended the event, and even Nigeria’s Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, reached out with words of encouragement and support.
This Guinness World Record endeavor is not Hilda Baci’s first foray into competitive kitchen events. In 2021, she emerged victorious in the inaugural “Jollof Faceoff,” triumphing over other contestants, including a Ghanaian rival, to claim the title for creating the best version of West Africa’s highly contested spicy rice meal. Hilda attributes her passion for cooking to her mother’s culinary techniques, and her recipes reflect her homemade approach, which has endeared her to many.
Hilda Baci’s tenacity, talent, and determination have solidified her status as a culinary trailblazer in Nigeria. By breaking the Guinness World Record and continuously pushing boundaries, she has become an inspiration for aspiring chefs and a beacon of pride for her nation. Her unwavering dedication to her craft exemplifies the transformative power of passion and the extraordinary heights that can be reached with a burning desire to succeed.
