Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has set a new Guinness World Record by cooking the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice, a West African culinary staple, in a high-profile culinary event. The dish, prepared in a six-metre-wide steel pot, weighed an astonishing 8,780 kilograms and produced roughly 16,600 servings.
The nine-hour cook, held in partnership with food brand Gino, drew attention not only for its scale but also for the sheer volume of ingredients required. Baci used 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 612 kilograms of cooking oil, 800 kilograms of tomato paste, 220 kilograms of seasoning cubes, 164 kilograms of goat meat, and 600 kilograms of a signature Jollof pepper mix. Additional ingredients included onions, garlic, ginger, and spices.
Estimating the cost of this massive culinary feat has sparked widespread interest. Wholesale prices suggest the rice alone cost approximately ₦13.6 million, while the oil added around ₦2 million. Tomato paste and seasoning cubes contributed roughly ₦2.8 million and ₦1 million, respectively. Goat meat accounted for nearly ₦1.6 million, and the pepper mix and aromatics added close to ₦1.5 million. Cooking gas used over the nine-hour period added another ₦1.44 million.
Summing these estimated wholesale costs, the base ingredient expenditure comes to about ₦23.9 million. Experts caution, however, that this figure does not include operational costs such as labor, logistics, venue hire, specialized equipment, or media coverage.
Read Also: Onakoya Sets New Guinness WR With 58-Hour Chess Marathon
Local broadcaster Ogbomosho Focus TV provided broader estimates for the total budget, suggesting the event likely cost between ₦52 million and ₦111 million. These figures account for venue hire at premium locations such as Eko Hotels, crane rentals for the 22,619-litre steel pot, industrial burners, packaging for tens of thousands of servings, and staffing, security, and media management.
Hilda Baci, 28, received praise for her culinary skill and logistical coordination, highlighting Nigeria’s rich food culture on a global stage. Her record-breaking Jollof rice underscores both the cultural significance of the dish and the growing international interest in West African cuisine.
Beyond the spectacle, the event showcased careful planning and teamwork. According to her team, achieving the Guinness World Record required precise ingredient ratios, 1,200 kilograms of cooking gas, and a coordinated effort from dozens of staff members over nearly ten hours.
While exact costs vary depending on market fluctuations and regional prices, Baci’s record-setting meal remains a landmark moment for culinary enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrating the scale and ambition of modern African gastronomy.