Guinness World Records: non-stop cooking record goes to Hilda Baci

Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially acknowledged the remarkable endeavor of a Nigerian chef in their pursuit to break the record for non-stop cooking.

Hilda Baci captured the nation's fascination when she showcased her culinary prowess by cooking continuously for four days last month.

Hilda Baci demonstrated her culinary endurance by cooking for a total of 100 hours, with intermittent breaks of five minutes per hour or an equivalent accumulated over multiple hours.

Despite her remarkable feat, Hilda Baci's official record, as certified by Guinness World Records (GWR), stands at 93 hours and 11 minutes, taking into account a reduction of seven hours as a result of a longer-than-permitted break taken on one occasion.

Her accomplishment surpassed the previous record set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in Rewa, central India, back in 2019, by more than five hours.

With a selection of more than 100 different dishes, Chef Baci, at the age of 27, embarked on her culinary challenge as she switched on her cooker at precisely 15:00 GMT on Thursday, May 11th. The determined chef persisted in her continuous cooking endeavor until the subsequent Monday.

While GWR officials were not present during the proceedings that took place in the upscale locality of Lekki in Lagos, they conducted a comprehensive analysis of the CCTV footage that had been captured.

During her remarkable feat, Baci predominantly prepared a wide range of Nigerian delicacies, including the renowned jollof rice, various rice and pasta dishes, and the beloved street food known as akara, which consists of deep-fried mashed beans. The delectable cuisine was generously distributed among the invited attendees.

Following the protocols outlined by GWR, Baci observed the rule allowing her to have a designated assistant present throughout the duration of the record-breaking endeavor. Moreover, her breaks were exclusively reserved for necessary tasks such as using the facilities or briefly recharging.

Upon completion of her remarkable cooking endurance, Baci articulated the inspiration that propelled her, saying, "I had a strong conviction that I needed to undertake an extraordinary endeavor to make a significant impact, to bring prominence to Nigeria, and to empower young African women."

As the demanding feat took its toll, Baci exhibited visible signs of physical exertion, prompting the application of cooling compresses to her head and receiving comforting foot massages during allotted intervals. Furthermore, a dedicated medical assistant diligently assessed her vital signs, prioritizing her health and safety.

The country was enthralled by Baci's extraordinary undertaking, attracting the attention and support of prominent politicians and notable celebrities who took the time to personally cheer her on.

The remarkable level of enthusiasm surrounding Hilda's culinary feat was so immense that it led to an extraordinary surge in website traffic, ultimately causing a noteworthy two-day disruption, as confirmed by GWR.

Prior to her remarkable achievement, Baci had already demonstrated her prowess in competitive culinary events. In 2021, she emerged victorious in the inaugural "Jollof Faceoff," triumphing over fellow participants, including a formidable Ghanaian contender, in the final round. Her exceptional rendition of the fiercely contested West African spicy rice dish earned her the coveted title and recognition as the creator of the finest version.

Baci fondly acknowledged the pivotal role her mother played in igniting her love for cooking. Inspired by her mother's culinary finesse and time-honored techniques, she embraced the ethos of homemade cooking, infusing her recipes with a genuine touch that resonated with her own unique culinary journey.

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