Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has explained why she opted to cook 200 bags of rice instead of the 250 bags initially planned in her ongoing attempt to set a new world record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice.
Speaking at the event in Eko Hotels, Lagos, Baci revealed that the adjustment was made for technical and safety reasons connected to the weighing process.
“When we began, we had to weigh the pot and every single ingredient that would go in. The standard crane and scale available can only carry 20,000 kilograms. It is safer to go below 20,000 kilogrammes so that my scale can carry it all at the same time” Baci explained.
According to her, the custom-built pot and its contents risked exceeding the 20,000-kilogram limit of the crane and scale designed to measure the final dish.
Despite reducing the original plan, the chef stressed that the feat remains monumental. “Even at 200 bags, we are still making history. This is 4,000kg of rice, and it will feed 20,000 people comfortably. So we’re still up there” she assured.
The event has attracted thousands of food lovers, entertainers, and dignitaries, transforming the record attempt into a festival-like celebration featuring live music, dancing, and celebrity appearances.
Baci described the project as the biggest undertaking of her career, noting that it took almost a year of planning.
The celebrity chef praised her team and sponsors for their support, revealing that it required nine months of preparation and nearly nine hours of cooking to complete the meal.
“Fabricating the massive pot alone took about two months. Pulling everything together was hectic, but seeing it come alive makes it worth the stress,” she said.
In a show of support, the Guinness World Records team in London sent her a message on social media wishing her success in the ambitious challenge.