In May 2023, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci set out to break the record for the longest cooking marathon. She cooked for over 100 hours. She smashed the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes that Lata Tondon from India held in 2019. During this incredible feat, Baci whipped up hundreds of delicious meals that were served to the thousands of Nigerians who came to cheer her on at Amore Gardens in Lekki.
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Baci’s attempt wasn’t just about cooking; it became a national event!
Nigerians at home and abroad rallied behind her, showing their support online and in person. Celebrities, influencers, politicians, and countless well-wishers visited her throughout the marathon.
However, a small glitch emerged during her breaks. Hilda Baci initially thought she cooked for over 100 hours; after careful review, Guinness World Records (GWR) officially recognised her time as 93 hours and 11 minutes in June 2023. Despite this adjustment, Baci was still thrilled to receive her official certificate from GWR later that month.
Unfortunately, Baci’s reign as record holder was short-lived. In November 2023, chef Alan Fisher from Japan surpassed her record by cooking for 119 hours and 57 minutes.