Nigerian Chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey, well known as Hilda Baci, has officially been awarded for breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes
She was awarded by Guinness World Records after a thorough review of all the evidence as she has surpassed the previous record of 87 hours 45 minutes which was set by Lata Tondon (India) in 2019.
Hilda 26, who cooked over 100 pots of food during her four-day kitchen cooking exercise started on Thursday 11 May and continued through to Monday 15 May.
On the record time, Hilda however ended with 97 hours after attempting to set a record of 100 hours. This means almost seven hours were deducted from her final total because she mistakenly took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on in the attempt.
Although, one of the rules of the cooking marathon says 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.
After achieving this feat, Hilda made comments as she attempted this record to “put Nigerian cuisine on the map” and “to inspire young African women to chase their dreams.”
She also said, “I also decided to break this record to truly push my limits and test my abilities.”
Hilda prepared for the event by creating a 35-item menu “as a guide” for every meal that she would cook.
Hilda’s before and after breaking the record got encouragement and support from celebrities, notable Nigerians and the general public.
On her career, Hilda graduated from Madonna University, Nigeria, with a degree in sociology, and decided to concentrate on her culinary career after she was inspired by her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who is also a chef.
Her cooking journey started when Hilda went from hosting a television show Dine on a Budget in 2020, before winning the Jollof Face-off competition in 2021. Hilda also defeated Ghana’s Leslie Kumordzie to claim the victory
