Hilda Baci Finally Reveals Why She Cooked 200 Bags Instead Of 250

Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has explained why she decided to cook 200 bags of rice instead of the initially announced 250 in her latest attempt to set a world record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice.

Baci, who gained global fame with her record-breaking 2023 cook-a-thon, kicked off the challenge on Friday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, where the event drew a festive crowd of food lovers, celebrities, and dignitaries. Notable guests included Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, dancer Kaffy, and Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State.

Speaking to journalists, Baci explained that the adjustment was necessary due to the 20,000kg weight limit of the crane and measuring device being used at the venue.

“When we started, we weighed the pot and everything that went into it. The target was around 17,000 to 18,000 kilogrammes including the pot. But since the crane could only weigh up to 20,000 kilogrammes, I had to reduce it by about a thousand kilogrammes. That’s why I went with 200 bags instead of 250,” she said.

Despite scaling down, Baci noted that the effort still produced 4,000kg of Jollof rice—enough to feed 20,000 people.

She revealed that the project took nearly a year of preparation and about nine hours of continuous cooking on the day.

“Honestly, planning this with Gino was hectic. It took Mr. Ayo two months to fabricate the custom pot, then nine months of planning before the cooking itself, which lasted almost nine hours,” she recounted.

Baci described the experience as stressful but rewarding, adding that the goal extended beyond setting a Guinness World Record.

“When I came up with this idea, it wasn’t really about a record—it was about bringing people together and feeding as many as possible. We’re feeding the nation,” she said with a smile.

Guinness World Records also acknowledged the event, posting a video on its official handle with the caption: “What’s cookin’? Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice today.”

This attempt comes two years after Baci’s Guinness-certified cook-a-thon in 2023, which earned her international recognition and inspired young Nigerians to pursue careers in the culinary arts.