Every year, Guinness World Records releases new editions including the incredible and valiant achievements of the previous few months. This year, Chef Hilda Baci is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for longest cooking time by an individual. Lata Tondon from India, who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019, is the most recent holder of this record.
For Hilda, the cook-a-thon project is scheduled to begin on May 11th and finish on May 14th. The event will also feature a live-streamed show on multiple social media channels where Hilda will make over 250 recipes. The cook-a-thon is one of the Hilda’s biggest aspirations, and she has taken time to prepare psychologically. According to the chef, it is an opportunity to tell positive stories from Africa through the meals we make, and to demonstrate the strength of young people with the right platform and support.
With about 10 hours to go, there has been an influx of Nigerians attending the cook-a-thon, with celebrities Dremo, Noble Igwe, Enioluwa, Ama Reginald, Akin Faminu, Thabang Mazibuko and Tsatsii Madiba, supporting Baci’s attempt.
To win the record., the 27 year old must cook 4 days non-stop, stand to cook with out any energy booster like coffee, energy drinks etc. The good news is that the food is being shared for free.
Read on to find 8 things you didn’t know about Hilda Baci
She is from Akwa Ibom State
Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci) was born on June 6th, 1996 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. She is the second child and only daughter of Effiong and Ekaette Bassey, a civil servant and teacher respectively. She attended St. Mary’s Nursery and Primary School in Uyo and excelled academically and socially. Hilda developed a passion for cooking from her mother and grandmother, who taught her the basics of Nigerian cuisine and the secrets of their family recipes. She also loved to experiment with different ingredients, spices and flavors, creating her own dishes and surprising her family.
She moved to Lagos at age 10
Hilda moved to Lagos at 10 and attended Queen’s College, Yaba, excelling in her studies and cooking. She graduated with flying colors in 2012 and applied to the University of Lagos to study Mass Communication and media and entertainment.
Her Passion for Cooking comes from her mother and grandmother
Hilda Baci’s passion for cooking comes from her mother and grandmother, who taught her how to cook various dishes from different regions of Nigeria. They also taught her how to use different techniques and tools. Hilda learned that cooking was an art and culture, a way of connecting with others, preserving heritage, and a source of health and wellness. They inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming a chef and owning her own restaurant, and supported her in every step of her journey.
She went to the Culinary Arts at the Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School (RDC).
Hilda Baci pursued her dreams in media and culinary arts by studying Mass Communication and Culinary Arts at the University of Lagos and Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School. She graduated from both institutions with honors in 2016 and started her career in media and culinary arts.
She has a cooking show – My Food by Hilda (MFH)
Hilda accepted a job offer from Food Network Africa (FNA) as a producer and host of a cooking show called My Food by Hilda (MFH). She also opened her own restaurant under the same name. Hilda was excited to share her passion for cooking with millions of viewers and to serve her customers with her delicious dishes. She was confident that she had made the right choice and was on the right path to achieving her dreams.
Her Inspiration Comes From Previous Record Holder, Lata Tondon of India
In 2023, Hilda Baci made the decision to try to beat the record for the longest cooking by one person held by Guinness. India’s Lata Tondon, who in 2019 prepared food for 87 hours and 45 minutes, served as her inspiration. She intended to prepare around 35 meals, largely from Nigerian cuisine, and give them away to the general public. She intended to share her travels on her YouTube channel Hilda Baci and Instagram page @myfoodbyhilda.
Hilda Baci trained for the Guinness World Record
Hilda Baci tested, refined, and practiced her culinary techniques in preparation for the Guinness World Record attempt. She experimented preparing several recipes using various methods, materials, and tastes. She also put her stamina, speed, and accuracy to the test by cooking for long periods of time in diverse settings with varied recipes and overcoming hurdles, which improved her inventiveness, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities.
Hilda Baci faced many challenges and difficulties during the cook-a-thon.
Hilda Baci had to cope with the physical, mental and emotional strain of cooking for long hours without rest or sleep, cope with the heat, smoke and noise of the kitchen, and handle the pressure, expectations and demands of the public.
