Af
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci pulled off a culinary spectacle at the Gino World Jollof Festival in Lagos as she successfully cooked what is now recorded as the largest pot of jollof rice ever made. Despite fears the mammoth pot might collapse, the event culminated in widespread praise for both the dish and the organisation. As the event kicked off, the enormous pot—measuring approximately six meters in width and height—became the center of attention not just for its size but also because it nearly collapsed under the weight of the ingredients during weighing. Fortunately, through fast adjustments and reinforcement, the pot was stabilized. The large pot held together well and contained all the rice safely, avoiding what could have been a big disaster.Attendees didn’t just come for the spectacle—they came for the taste. After the cook, crowds streamed forward to sample the jollof. Reviews came in from media personalities like Charlie, who shared an “honest feedback” video on Instagram, calling the rice “rich, well-seasoned, with that perfect balance of tomato and spice.” Others noted that despite the massive scale, the rice maintained texture—neither too soggy nor undercooked—and the aroma was “mouth-watering.”Many praised the event’s hygiene and organisation, especially with so many people. Fans appreciated that everything—from the cooking process to the serving—was handled cleanly and efficiently.Hilda Baci had planned for 250 bags of basmati rice, though weighing issues led to a slight reduction. Nevertheless, the finished meal still fed tens of thousands.The cooking process involved huge amounts of tomato paste, onions, spices, and stock, and she kept a close eye on the seasoning, tweaking it live to ensure consistency across the massive pot. In the end, the event was widely considered a success. The jollof rice was declared a new record by local media, and people left with smiles and full bellies. Moreover, the festival reinforced Hilda Baci’s reputation as someone who doesn’t just dream big—but delivers even bigger.
