Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially validated Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, as the new record holder for the longest individual cooking marathon.
“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.”
The 26-year-old Nigerian chef began cooking on Thursday, May 11, and continued until Monday, May 15, preparing almost 100 pots of food during her four-day period in the kitchen.
Baci attempted to set a record of 100 hours, however, 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.
A statement by Guinness added that “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 previous record of 87 hours 45 minutes was set by Lata Tondon (India) in 2019.
Baci attempted this record to put Nigerian cuisine on the map and to inspire young African women to chase their dreams.
Hilda prepared for the event by creating a 35-item menu “as a guide” for every meal that she would cook.
She ensured that she had the necessary ingredients to make each recipe, with her team procuring further food items while the cook-a-thon was underway “based on what was needed to be topped up.”
Baci’s record attempt captivated the social media world, with millions in Nigeria and throughout the world following her race via an Instagram live feed.
Hilda was required to abide by several rules during her record-breaking cook-a-thon. There must be at least two items being prepared or cooked at any time.
A sous-chef is permitted to assist in prep work, washing up, and cleaning the kitchen area, but all the cooking must be done by the individual attempting the record.
After graduating from Madonna University, Nigeria, with a degree in sociology, Hilda decided to embark on her culinary career. She was inspired by her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who is also a chef.
Now, in 2023, she is officially a Guinness World Records title holder.