After a long night of anticipation, tension filled the air when Chef Hilda Baci’s gigantic jollof rice pot was finally ready to be weighed. As a crane lifted the towering cauldron, it squeezed on one side, forcing its cover loose and drawing gasps from the restless crowd on Saturday morning.
A further attempt with a blue lifting sling strap bent the pot’s legs, prompting Hilda’s team to wave frantically for the crane operator to stop. The scene left the 28-year-old chef visibly distressed as she circled the pot shortly, watching anxiously while officials worked to stabilise the weighing process. Moments later, they packed the cooked rice into coolers and served it in plastic takeaways to the patient crowd.
Some guests, tired from waiting, lay on the floor while hoping to taste the record-breaking jollof dish. Earlier, Hilda explained delays were because the rice needed time to cook evenly due to the massive pot’s size.
Hilda Baci completes jollof rice world record attempt, awaits Guinness confirmation. The marathon cook-off, which began on Friday and stretched into Saturday morning, drew more than 20,000 spectators, including food lovers, influencers, and celebrities.