HILDA BACI'S GIANT JOLLOF RICE ATTEMPT: A CELEBRATION OF NIGERIAN CUISINE

HILDA BACI'S GIANT JOLLOF RICE ATTEMPT: A CELEBRATION OF NIGERIAN CUISINE

Nigeria is a nation where food is more than sustenance. It is culture, it is identity, and it is pride. Among the dishes that best represent this cultural essence, none stands out more than Jollof rice. Often called the crown jewel of West African cuisine, Jollof has sparked debates, united communities, and even inspired international recognition. In September 2025, Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci once again put the spotlight on this dish, making history by attempting to cook the largest pot of Jollof rice ever seen.

This extraordinary event did not only highlight Nigerian cuisine, but it also brought together thousands of people in a celebration of unity, culture, and ambition. For Hilda, who already holds a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, this was another milestone in her remarkable culinary journey.

WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED

The historic attempt took place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as food lovers, fans, and community members gathered to witness something never before attempted on such a scale in Nigeria.

The venue, known for hosting some of the country’s biggest cultural and entertainment events, provided the perfect backdrop. With thousands of people registered to attend, the event quickly transformed into more than just a cooking showcase. It became a festival of Nigerian pride.

The Giant Pot of Jollof Rice

At the center of this remarkable event was a custom-made pot specifically designed for the challenge. This massive cooking vessel measured about six metres in both width and height, with a capacity of over 22,000 litres. Constructing this pot alone was a task that took nearly three months of preparation, from sourcing materials to final assembly.

Into this enormous pot went staggering quantities of ingredients. More than 4,000 kilograms of rice were used, accompanied by 1,000 kilograms of tomato paste, 600 kilograms of onions, 750 kilograms of vegetable oil, and countless other seasonings such as pepper, garlic, ginger, thyme, and paprika. When cooked, the rice was expected to expand to a weight of between 14,000 and 16,000 kilograms—enough to feed tens of thousands of people.

The sheer logistics of this challenge were breathtaking. Cooking at such a scale is not as simple as multiplying a household recipe. Heat distribution, timing, and seasoning require constant adjustments. Hilda and her team had to balance precision with intuition, making sure that the result was both safe to eat and true to the flavor Nigerians love in their Jollof.

MORE THAN JUST COOKING

This attempt was not merely about breaking a record. It carried a deeper purpose and symbolism.

CULTURAL IDENTITY

Jollof rice has long been associated with Nigeria’s cultural pride. By attempting to create the largest pot of Jollof rice, Hilda was not just showcasing her skill as a chef. She was reinforcing the idea that food is central to who we are as a people.

INSPIRING A GENERATION

Hilda Baci had spoken about dreaming of this event for nearly two years. Already known for her record-breaking cooking marathon in 2023, she wanted to push the boundaries further. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with vision, preparation, and courage, even the most audacious dreams can be achieved. She has become a role model for young Nigerians, particularly women, who now see that ambition in any field—including the culinary arts—can make an impact worldwide.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

One of the most remarkable aspects of this event was its accessibility. Guests did not have to pay for the food. The spirit of sharing and togetherness was central to the festival. In a society where food insecurity is still a challenge, the sight of thousands coming together to enjoy a meal was both symbolic and uplifting.

CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY

Pulling off a project of this magnitude was not without difficulties. The sheer size of the pot meant that it had to be cleaned and sanitized under unusual circumstances. Hilda herself rolled up her sleeves to ensure it was washed to the highest standard. This attention to detail was necessary to guarantee hygiene and food safety.

Additionally, weighing challenges forced the team to reduce the planned quantity of rice from 5,000 kilograms to 4,000 kilograms. Even with the adjustment, the final output remained monumental. Another key challenge was balancing the flavors. Cooking in such bulk requires creative use of mathematics and experience to avoid over- or under-seasoning.

The event also drew a massive crowd, with over 20,000 people registering to attend. Coordinating such a large audience while ensuring safety and order was an achievement in itself.

A FESTIVAL OF PRIDE

Beyond the cooking itself, the day felt like a festival. Music, entertainment, and a lively crowd turned the venue into a celebration of Nigerian resilience and innovation. Attendees were not just there to eat; they came to be part of history. The sense of unity and pride was palpable, as people from all walks of life stood side by side waiting to share in the giant meal.

The event demonstrated that Nigerians are capable of setting new global standards, not just in sports or music but in food and culture as well. It also reminded the world of the importance of Jollof rice as a unifying dish that transcends tribes and borders.

LOOKING AHEAD

As of now, the Guinness World Records recognition is pending, but whether or not it is officially certified, the achievement is already monumental. The attempt has sparked conversations not just about Nigerian food, but about the power of dreams and the importance of cultural representation on a global stage.

The legacy of this event will go beyond a single day of cooking. It will inspire others to take bold steps in their own fields, to dream bigger, and to see Nigerian culture as a force capable of shaping the world’s imagination.

CONCLUSION

Hilda Baci’s attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice on September 12, 2025, was far more than a culinary stunt. It was a bold declaration of identity, ambition, and unity. With a pot large enough to feed thousands, ingredients measured by the ton, and a spirit that brought together an entire community, the event will be remembered as a landmark in Nigerian cultural history.

In the end, it wasn’t just about rice and tomato paste. It was about showing what happens when passion meets purpose, when culture is celebrated with pride, and when one woman’s dream becomes a nation’s victory.