AfriPulse
On Friday, Lagos buzzed with excitement as celebrity chef Hilda Baci embarked on a bold mission to set a Guinness World Record for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice.
The event, dubbed the ” _Gino World Jollof Festival,_ ” transformed into a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s culinary and cultural heritage, drawing food lovers, influencers, and local vendors to the heart of the city.
Baci took on the monumental task of cooking 250 bags of rice in a colossal 22,619-litre pot, with the jollof rice serving as the centerpiece of the festival.
Beyond the record attempt, the event showcased the diversity of Nigerian cuisine, offering a feast of flavors that captivated attendees.
Food stalls lined the venue, serving up local favorites such as roasted plantain, spiced potatoes, and fish drizzled with fiery pepper sauce.
Hearty soups, including various pepper soups, were also a hit, alongside refreshing traditional drinks like zobo, kunu nzaki, tigernut milk, and soy milk.
Snack lovers indulged in small chops like puff puff, mosa, and samosas, as well as flavored potato chips that added a modern twist to the offerings.
The festival was more than just a culinary event—it was a cultural extravaganza. Nigerian actor and content creator Charles Born emphasized the global impact of the occasion, noting, “Hilda’s effort, backed by supportive brands, is elevating Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.”
Attendees echoed this sentiment, with many expressing excitement over discovering new dishes and drinks.
CEO of Zee Foods, Zuwaira Salisu, shared how a visitor’s curiosity about kunu nzaki, a nutritious millet-based drink, sparked interest and a promise to return for more.
For food enthusiast Oghene Tejiri, the festival was a chance to explore Nigeria’s regional delicacies.
“I couldn’t resist the food stalls,” she said.
“The small chops were amazing, and the tigernut drink was a delightful surprise.
This event shows that Nigerian cuisine goes far beyond jollof rice—we have incredible soups and dishes from every corner of the country.”
Accompanied by lively music and a festive atmosphere, Baci’s record-breaking endeavor doubled as a platform to celebrate Nigeria’s rich food culture.
The event not only highlighted her culinary prowess but also cemented her role as a global ambassador for Nigerian flavors, proving that the country’s cuisine is a force to be reckoned with.
Background:
Hilda Baci, a renowned Nigerian chef, is no stranger to breaking records. In 2023, she earned a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes. Her latest endeavor to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice further solidifies her mission to showcase Nigerian cuisine globally.
Jollof rice, a beloved West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, is a cultural staple in Nigeria and a point of friendly rivalry with neighboring countries like Ghana.
The “Gino World Jollof Festival” was supported by Gino, a popular Nigerian brand known for its tomato paste and seasoning products, which aligned with Baci’s vision to promote authentic Nigerian flavors.
The event also spotlighted the growing global interest in African cuisine, with Nigerian dishes like egusi soup, pounded yam, and small chops gaining traction in international food scenes. By blending culinary innovation with cultural pride, Baci’s record attempt underscores Nigeria’s vibrant food heritage and its potential to captivate global audiences.
With additional reports from NAN
Source: NationalAccordNewspaper | Read the Full Story…
