In a remarkable feat of culinary endurance, Nigeria’s Hilda Effiong Bassey, widely known as Hilda Baci, has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), with an impressive time of 93 hours and 11 minutes.
The 26-year-old Nigerian chef embarked on her cooking journey on Thursday, May 11, and persisted tirelessly until Monday, May 15, preparing over 100 pots of food during her four-day kitchen marathon.
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Hilda initially aimed to set a record of 100 hours, but due to an early mistake where she inadvertently took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks, nearly seven hours were deducted from her final total. According to the guidelines for such marathon records, participants are allowed a five-minute rest break for every consecutive hour of activity.
These breaks can be accumulated if not taken, serving as the only opportunities for Hilda to use the bathroom or grab a brief moment of sleep during her endeavor. It is worth noting that the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes was set by Lata Tondon from India in 2019.
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Hilda’s motivation for attempting this record was twofold: to promote Nigerian cuisine globally and to inspire young African women to pursue their dreams. “I also decided to break this record to truly push my limits and test my abilities,” she stated. Prior to the event, Hilda meticulously crafted a comprehensive 35-item menu as a guide for each meal she would cook. She ensured that all the required ingredients were readily available, with her team procuring additional food items as needed throughout the cook-a-thon. While a sous-chef was allowed to assist with preparation, dishwashing, and kitchen cleaning, Hilda personally handled all the cooking, abiding by the record rules.
One crucial stipulation for food-related record attempts is that all items prepared must be consumed. In line with this requirement, Hilda extended an open invitation to members of the Nigerian public to come and enjoy her freshly prepared meals. Any leftover food was graciously donated to the Festus Fajemilo Foundation, further demonstrating Hilda’s generosity and commitment to making a positive impact.
With her extraordinary achievement, Hilda Baci has firmly established herself as a culinary trailblazer, propelling Nigerian cuisine to new heights. Her record-breaking cooking marathon serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs and showcases the indomitable spirit and determination of young African women. Guinness World Records has duly recognized her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, solidifying her place in culinary history.
In addition to her incredible feat of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), Hilda Baci had a noble goal in mind throughout her four-day culinary journey. “My team’s and my goal for this event was to make it free to all and to feed the less privileged,” Hilda shared. Her passion for cooking extended beyond personal achievement to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Hilda ensured that every pot of food she prepared during the marathon was large enough to serve approximately 30 to 35 people. “Appropriate stock control was conducted” throughout the event to prevent any wastage of food. Her commitment to minimizing waste reflects her desire to maximize the impact of her record-breaking endeavor and contribute to alleviating hunger in her community.
After obtaining a degree in sociology from Madonna University, Nigeria, Hilda chose to pursue a career in the culinary arts. She drew inspiration from her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who is also a chef. Hilda’s passion and talent propelled her to various achievements, including hosting the television show “Dine on a Budget” in 2020. Her culinary skills were further recognized when she emerged victorious in the Jollof Face-off competition in 2021, triumphing over Leslie Kumordzie from Ghana and proudly representing her native Nigeria.
Now, in 2023, Hilda Baci can add another accolade to her impressive list of achievements as an official Guinness World Records title holder. Her dedication to cooking, her commitment to serving the less privileged, and her unwavering determination have earned her well-deserved congratulations and admiration.
Hilda’s remarkable culinary journey continues to inspire others, showcasing the power of passion, talent, and compassion in making a meaningful difference in the world.
