In a remarkable feat of culinary engineering, celebrity chef Hilda Baci, in collaboration with food brand Gino, shattered the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian jollof rice, weighing a staggering 8,780 kilograms (19,356 lb 9 oz). This monumental achievement, officially confirmed by Guinness World Records, unfolded in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, and involved a custom-built pot of immense proportions, the creation of which is a story in itself. The behind-the-scenes details of this culinary marvel were unveiled by the engineer behind the giant pot, Olalecks Tech, who meticulously documented the process on his TikTok page.
Olalecks Tech’s videos offer a fascinating glimpse into the construction of the colossal cooking vessel. From initial conceptualization and design to the meticulous fabrication and smoothing of the pot’s surface, the videos chronicle the intricate stages of its development. The engineer’s ingenuity is further evident in the testing phase, where the massive pot is subjected to the intense heat of six giant industrial gas burners, specially designed to power the six-meter-wide behemoth. The logistical challenge of transporting this custom-made creation to the event venue, Eko Hotels and Suites, is also captured, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
According to Hilda Baci, the specially designed pot boasted a capacity of 22,619 litres, with the aim of filling it to 80 percent during the record-breaking attempt. Baci revealed that a staggering 200 bags of rice were cooked in the giant pot. However, due to limitations in weighing capacity, only 4,000 kilograms of the cooked rice could be officially measured. Baci’s initial target was to produce 5,000 kilograms of jollof rice, anticipating a final weight of 17,000 to 18,000 kilograms after incorporating all the ingredients. Despite the weighing challenges, the 4,000 kilograms of jollof rice produced was enough to feed an estimated 20,000 people, highlighting the scale of the event.
The event, however, was not without its dramatic moments. During the process of hoisting the giant pot for weighing, the structure unexpectedly collapsed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the incident did not derail the record-breaking attempt. This unforeseen event underscores the sheer scale and complexity of the undertaking, further highlighting the engineering and logistical challenges involved in managing such a massive cooking operation.
The successful execution of this culinary feat not only secured a Guinness World Record but also brought renewed international attention to Nigerian cuisine. Hilda Baci, who first gained global recognition with her headline-grabbing cook-a-thon in 2023, has once again cemented her status as a culinary force, showcasing the richness and vibrancy of Nigerian food on the world stage. This achievement is a testament to her dedication, passion, and innovative approach to cooking.
The collaboration between Hilda Baci and Gino played a crucial role in the successful execution of this record-breaking endeavor. The partnership demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts in achieving ambitious goals. By combining Baci’s culinary expertise with Gino’s resources and support, they were able to create a truly memorable event that not only celebrated Nigerian cuisine but also pushed the boundaries of culinary achievement. The event stands as a powerful example of how passion, innovation, and collaboration can come together to create something extraordinary.
