Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, has officially been confirmed as the new world record holder for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, according to the Guinness World Records (GWR). The GWR committee reviewed footage from the cookathon, which lasted for four days, and confirmed that Bassey had achieved a time of 93 hours and 11 minutes, breaking the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in 2019.
During her record-breaking attempt, Hilda Bassey cooked in a makeshift kitchen for four days, starting on Thursday, May 11, and finishing on Monday, May 15. She produced almost 100 pots of food during this time, mostly Nigerian dishes. However, Bassey was penalized for an error in her scheduled rest breaks, resulting in a deduction of almost seven hours from her final total.
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Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has officially been confirmed as the new world record holder for the longest cooking marathon. The Guinness World Record committee recently announced that Hilda Bassey cooked continuously for a remarkable 93 hours and 11 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in 2019. Bassey’s record-breaking attempt took place from Thursday, May 11 to Monday, May 15, during which she produced nearly 100 pots of delicious food.
Hilda Bassey Journey to the World Record
Hilda Bassey, a 26-year-old chef from Nigeria, embarked on her ambitious journey to break the Guinness World Record in order to put Nigerian cuisine on the global map and inspire young African women to pursue their dreams.
Her determination and passion led her to cook tirelessly for four consecutive days in a makeshift kitchen at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos. Bassey carefully planned her menu, consisting of 35 different items, to guide her through the marathon. With each dish, she aimed to showcase the richness and diversity of Nigerian food culture.
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Although Bassey initially aimed for a 100-hour record, she faced a minor setback due to a miscalculation in her scheduled rest breaks. According to the Guinness World Records rules, participants are allowed a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity, which can be accumulated if not taken. Bassey inadvertently took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on in the attempt, resulting in the deduction of almost seven hours from her final total. Despite this, her accomplishment remains an extraordinary feat, highlighting her resilience and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers.
News of Bassey’s record-breaking attempt spread like wildfire, captivating the hearts and minds of millions in Nigeria and beyond. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, played a significant role in amplifying her journey, with followers eagerly following her progress via live streams. Bassey’s popularity was so immense that it even caused the Guinness World Records website to crash for two days due to the overwhelming volume of traffic from her dedicated fans.
Throughout her cook-a-thon, Bassey received unwavering support from various high-profile figures in Nigeria, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and award-winning singer Tiwa Savage. Their presence not only uplifted Bassey but also highlighted the significance of her achievement in promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture.
Hilda Bassey’s journey to breaking the world record exemplifies the power of determination, passion, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Her story has inspired countless individuals, particularly young African women, to strive for greatness and push beyond their limits. Bassey’s culinary talents, combined with her ambition and desire to uplift her native cuisine, have solidified her place in history as a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring chefs worldwide.
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Nigerian Cuisine to the World
One of Hilda’s primary motivations for undertaking this record-breaking challenge was to highlight the unique flavors and diversity of Nigerian cuisine. She aimed to dispel misconceptions and present an authentic representation of her country’s culinary traditions.
By breaking the world record for the longest cooking marathon, Hilda captured the attention of the global food community and put Nigerian cuisine firmly on the international culinary map. Her dedication and skill in preparing traditional Nigerian dishes showcased the richness and depth of flavors that often go unrecognized outside the country.
Through her achievement, Hilda Baci inspired a new generation of chefs and food enthusiasts to explore Nigerian cuisine and appreciate its cultural significance. Her cookathon served as a platform for showcasing the vibrant food culture of Nigeria, encouraging others to delve into the country’s diverse culinary heritage.
Hilda Baci’s remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual is a testament to her passion, determination, and love for Nigerian cuisine. Her four-day culinary journey captivated millions, shining a spotlight on the rich and diverse flavors of Nigerian dishes. Despite a minor setback, Hilda’s record-breaking feat has firmly established her as a culinary pioneer and an inspiration to aspiring chefs worldwide.
As the world celebrates Hilda Baci’s extraordinary achievement, it is clear that her legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of the kitchen. She has left an indelible mark on the culinary world, promoting Nigerian cuisine and empowering women to pursue their dreams. Hilda’s accomplishment will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the history of Nigerian gastronomy, further propelling the nation’s vibrant culinary scene onto the global stage.
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