Renowned professional chef, Hilda Baci, has once again captured the hearts of Nigerians and the global audience as she shared the deeply emotional moment she received a historic call from the Guinness World Records team officially confirming her as the record holder for the Largest Serving of Nigerian-style Jollof Rice.
The record-breaking chef, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, has become a household name for her resilience and passion for Nigerian cuisine. Gistreel recalls that Hilda Baci previously made headlines when she held one of the country’s most iconic cooking events, drawing thousands of spectators, influencers, and fellow chefs who came together to celebrate her monumental attempt at making history.
At the event, Hilda prepared what has now been confirmed as the biggest pot of Jollof rice in the world, cooking with unmatched energy and determination before an eager audience at Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday. The gathering turned into a cultural festival, with music, dancing, and the aroma of the signature West African dish filling the air. Her remarkable feat not only celebrated Nigerian food but also positioned it on a global stage.
Guinness World Records officially confirms her title
After weeks of anticipation, the Guinness World Records (GWR) officially confirmed her record on Monday, September 15th. According to their verification, Hilda Baci successfully set the new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof rice, which weighed an astounding 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz). This recognition cements her place in culinary history and further validates the growing influence of Nigerian cuisine on the international stage.
The emotional call from Guinness
In a video shared online, Hilda captured the exact moment she received the life-changing call from Guinness World Records. With her mother, family, team, and friends present, the atmosphere was charged with tears of joy, gratitude, and overwhelming emotion as the officials declared her a record holder. The moment highlighted not just her personal victory but also the collective support of her team and the Nigerian people who rallied behind her journey.
The chef, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, calling it another milestone in her mission to showcase Nigerian cuisine to the world. Her mother and close supporters were equally emotional, reinforcing the significance of family and community in achieving such remarkable milestones.
Mixed reactions from Netizens
Social media erupted with excitement, as Nigerians and fans across the globe flooded the internet with congratulatory messages. While many hailed her achievement as a win for the country, others engaged in discussions about the Guinness World Record process and the collective effort behind her success.
@Davidspredict remarked: “If I may ask this GWR aside the award or placards is there any money attached to it because we have so many world records holder in Nigeria we don’t even know they held such record.”
@bigprofcnd15205 jokingly said: “Has Guinness called? Like say she no know 😆 congrats.”
@crossnstride wrote: “Did she carry all those 200 bags of rice alone? Did she stir that huge pot of rice alone? The water for the rice, did she do it all alone? Maggi, salt et al? Where then is the recognition for those that did the heavy lifting?”
A proud moment for Nigeria
Despite differing opinions, the achievement has been widely celebrated as a cultural win for Nigeria, spotlighting Jollof rice—one of the country’s most beloved dishes—on the world stage. The record has inspired many young chefs and creatives to believe in their dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem.
Watch the emotional video below …
Hilda Baci shares the moment she received the call from Guinness World Records confirming her as the official record holder for the Largest Serving of Nigerian style Jollof Rice! Such an emotional moment! 😫🥹 pic.twitter.com/smwBIYYuE9
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) September 15, 2025