Guinness confirms Nigerian chef’s world record for longest cooking marathon

June 13, 2023 Elwin Mandowa

Guinness World Records (GWR) has on Tuesday confirmed that Nigerian chef, Hilda Bassey aka Hilda Baci now holds the world record for longest cooking marathon by an individual.

Last month, Baci caused a sensation in Nigeria after cooking non-stop for more than 100 hours, which exceeded the previous record.

Politicians and celebrities urged her on along with a boisterous crowd which watched her cook.

But Guinness World Records said it was going to verify the attempt by the chef and has now confirmed that indeed she now holds the new record.

“Following a thorough review of all the evidence, Guinness World Records can now confirm that Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, has officially broken the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes,” GWR said in a statement.

After reviewing all the footage, we’re delighted to announce that Hilda Baci is the new record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual) 💫

Watch the video to find out the official time we’ve awarded Hilda and read the full explanation below 👇 pic.twitter.com/bf352ndxWO

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 13, 2023

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The previous record of 87 hours 45 minutes was set by Lata Tondon (India) in 2019.

Long journey towards a record

The 26-year-old Nigerian chef began on Thursday 11 May and continued through to Monday 15 May.

She cooked over 100 pots of food during her four-day kitchen stint, according to Guinness World Record.

This is the best news ever omg omg omg thank you so much 🥺🥺 https://t.co/PRrvUTPTT8

— Hilda Baci (@hildabacicooks) June 13, 2023

Hilda’s 100 hours attempt however saw almost seven hours deducted from her final total because she mistakenly took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on in the attempt.

“As with all ‘longest marathon’ records, the participant is permitted a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity. These rest breaks can be accumulated if not taken. They were the only times Hilda could use the bathroom or sleep during the attempt,” the record said on its website.

Hilda said she attempted this record to “put Nigerian cuisine on the map” and “to inspire young African women to chase their dreams.”

“I also decided to break this record to truly push my limits and test my abilities,” she told Guinness World Record.

Hilda graduated from Madonna University, Nigeria, with a degree in sociology, but decided to embark on her culinary career. She was inspired by her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who is also a chef.