By Our reporter
Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially recognized Nigerian chef Hilda Baci’s recent extraordinary achievement in cooking one of the largest pots of jollof rice ever recorded. However, the organization clarified that there is currently no official record holder for the largest serving of Ghanaian-style jollof rice.
On September 12, 2025, Hilda Baci embarked on an ambitious culinary endeavor at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, aiming to prepare the largest pot of jollof rice in history. Using a specially constructed steel pot measuring six meters in diameter, Baci and her team cooked an impressive 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, combined with 500 cartons of tomato concentrate, 750 kilograms of cooking oil, and 600 kilograms of onions.
The massive cooking event, themed the “Gino World Jollof Festival,” attracted thousands of spectators, including local celebrities, dignitaries, and jollof enthusiasts. After nearly nine hours of cooking, the enormous pot of jollof rice was served in takeaway packs to over 30,000 people, creating a moment of unity and celebration around the beloved West African dish.
Despite this incredible feat, Guinness World Records made it clear that while Baci’s achievement is historic, the specific record for the largest serving of Ghanaian-style jollof rice remains unclaimed. This revelation has sparked conversations within the culinary community about the importance of clearly defined criteria and documentation for such records, especially given the rich diversity of jollof rice preparations across West Africa.
In related news, Ghanaian chef Failatu Abdul-Razak has launched a separate record attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous cooking marathon. Starting her marathon on New Year’s Day, Abdul-Razak aims to surpass the current record of 119 hours and 57 minutes held by an Irish chef. Her marathon features the preparation of regional Ghanaian dishes, including banku and jollof rice, and has garnered widespread national attention and support from government officials, celebrities, and the public.
The unfolding events highlight the growing global interest in West African cuisine and the cultural significance of jollof rice. As chefs continue to push the boundaries of culinary achievements, the search for an official Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Ghanaian-style jollof rice remains open, promising exciting developments in the near future.
