Hilda Baci Sets Guinness World Record with Largest Pot of Jollof Rice in Lagos

It wasn’t just a meal, it was a history-making moment! Yesterday in Lagos, Chef Hilda Baci stirred up the world’s largest pot of jollof rice, cooking a staggering 22,619 liters of the iconic Nigerian dish, in a spectacular attempt to set a Guinness World Record.

Cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice in Lagos.

Nigerian chef and culinary influencer Hilda Baci has made history by attempting to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos yesterday, September 12, 2025. The event drew thousands of spectators, food enthusiasts, and media attention.

The custom-built pot, measuring 6 meters in width and height, had a total capacity of 22,619 liters. Chef Baci and her team prepared 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, along with large quantities of tomatoes, peppers, onions, spices, and cooking oil to create the iconic Nigerian dish. The cooking process started at 2:08 p.m. and lasted approximately eight hours.

Chef Hilda Baci and her team prepare the world’s largest pot of jollof rice at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

After the cooking, the team began the weighing process for Guinness World Records verification. It was during this process that the massive cooking pot collapsed, creating a dramatic scene at the venue. The collapse temporarily halted proceedings, but immediate action from the technical and safety teams ensured that no one was injured and that the situation was quickly stabilized. Despite the delay, the weighing was completed successfully, and the jollof rice was distributed to attendees and local communities. The sheer quantity of rice meant that even by the morning of September 13, portions of the jollof rice were still being shared with the public, illustrating the immense scale of the record attempt.

Pot collapse during weighing, but the record stood strong.

Several notable figures were in attendance to support Hilda Baci’s record-breaking attempt, including Funke Akindele, Kaffy, the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, as well as family members such as her mother and brother, Eni, Vekee James, and Pastor Bolaji, among others, who were all seen briefly at the venue cheering her on.

The event, part of the Gino World Jollof Festival, celebrated not only the record attempt but also Nigerian cuisine and culture. Festival activities included live entertainment, cultural performances, and food exhibitions, creating a vibrant atmosphere for attendees. The Nigerian government expressed support for Chef Baci’s efforts. Mallam Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, commended her for promoting Nigerian culture globally. His message was delivered by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

With the cooking, weighing, and ongoing distribution completed despite the pot collapse, Chef Baci and her team are now awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records, who will review all submitted evidence before formally recognizing the record.

Hilda Baci’s attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice marked by a brief mishap with the pot collapse during weighing has showcased her resilience and dedication. The event united people from all walks of life through food, culture, and celebration, while highlighting the global appeal of Nigerian cuisine.

Click here to watch the video of the cooking process for the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.

Read More: Hilda Baci Attempts World Record with Largest Pot of Jollof Rice in Lagos