Nigerian chef sets new Guinness World Record for marathon cooking

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  • Published on May 15, 2023
  • Last Updated June 8, 2023
  • In People

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci shattered the record with an epic cooking marathon, cooking over 100 meals in almost 90 hours.

Nigerian chefHilda Baci has become the new Guinness World Record Holder for “marathon cooking.” Baci turned on her burners at 4 p.m. EST on Thursday, May 11, and cooked nonstop for 87 hours and 50 minutes. She completed her final dish on Monday.

BBC reported that Baci, born Hilda Effiong Bassey, made over 100 meals during her quest to break the record. While her time is still under review, if awarded, Baci will dethrone the current world record holder, Lata Tondon. In 2019, the Indian chef clocked in 87 hours and 45 minutes of uninterrupted cooking.

Baci’s culinary marathon occurred at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State. Despite inclement weather, a host of locals, celebrities and even government officials were on hand to cheer Baci on as she attempted to break the record. Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was present at the venue on Sunday.

“We are proud to have Hilda embarking on this journey in our state,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I will continue to follow the updates and look forward to the final declaration.”

Baci received a call from Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to lend support as Baci represented her country.

BBC stated that the 27-year-old chef set out to be in the kitchen for 96 hours but had to give in to the draining task of controlling the kitchen early. Most of Baci’s marathon menu consisted of food native to her West African country. An assortment of rice and pasta dishes, including jollof rice and akara, a popular street food made from deep-fried mashed beans, was served to guests. Baci was provided with some assistance while she cooked. She was allowed to have one assistant at hand and take a five-minute break per hour.

The chef spoke with BBC News Pidgin before stepping into the kitchen.

“This attempt is proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support,” Baci said.

Baci is no stranger to taking the heat in the kitchen. In 2021 she pocketed $5,000, winning the first “Jollof Face Off Competition.”

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.

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