After cooking continuously for more than 90 hours in a bid to break the world record, a Nigerian chef has become a national phenomenon.
Since putting on her cooker at 15:00 GMT on Thursday, Hilda Baci has used more than 100 different recipes. She has been encouraged by politicians, celebrities, and the noisy audience that has gathered to see her prepare meals.
The current benchmark, established in 2019 in Rewa, central India, by Indian chef Lata Tondon, is 87 hours and 45 minutes. Before stating if she has broken the record, Guinness World Records says it is still examining the evidence.
Although there are no organization representatives present at the site in Lagos’ upscale Lekki neighbourhood, CCTV cameras have been deployed to keep an eye on the event.
Baci, 27, had originally intended to cook for 96 hours, or until Monday at 5:00 GMT. But she was encouraged to continue until she reached 100 hours by the audience camped outside the venue.
She has primarily prepared Nigerian dishes, including jollof rice, as well as several kinds of rice and pasta and akara, a well-known street food made from deep-fried mashed beans. Those who have been invited are receiving the food.
She can work with one helper at a time and has the option of taking a five-minute break every hour, or its equivalent over a longer period of time.
Before beginning her marathon cooking session, the chef told BBC News Pidgin, “This attempt is proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support.”
Baci is getting foot massages and ice packs given to her head during her breaks since she is clearly feeling the effects of the physical exertion. Her vital indicators are being checked by a medical assistant as well.
Her attempt has captured the nation’s attention, drawing lawmakers and celebrities to support her. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, was present at the event on Sunday and spoke with Yemi Osinbajo, the vice president of Nigeria, while there.
The fact that Hilda Is starting this adventure in our state makes us proud. I’ll keep up with the developments and anticipate the verdict, said Mr. Sanwo-Olu.
Baci has experience competing in hot kitchen events. She won the inaugural “Jollof Faceoff” in 2021 after defeating other competitors, including a Ghanaian foe in the championship round, to take home the prize for the greatest rendition of the hot and spicy rice dish popular in West Africa. She claimed that her mother’s cooking methods and the homemade nature of her meals had inspired her love of cooking.
