Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey cooks for 100 hours in world record attempt

The chef, known on social media as Hilda Baci, started cooking on Thursday and continued until Monday – creating more than 55 recipes and over 100 meals designed to showcase the best of Nigerian cuisine in the marathon kitchen session.

The Guinness world record committee still has to confirm that all their criteria have been met and whether Bassey will become the record holder.

The record to beat – 87 hours and 45 minutes – was set in 2019 by Indian chef Lata Tondon who posted a message of support to Bassey during her attempt.

Bassey said she was motivated to attempt the record because she wants to put Nigerian food on the map.

“Nigerian cuisine is the best out there,” she said. “The more recipes are propagated, the more people will be willing to try it. Nigerian food is such comfort food,” she added.

Despite the lack of sleep throughout her cooking spree in Lagos, Bassey remained in high spirits and could be spotted dancing and waving at her fans turned out in droves to support her.

One man, Uduak Obong, told CNN he took a bus journey through the night, traveling hundreds of kilometers to arrive at the venue in Lagos.

“I drove 12 hours to be right here to support my sister, my friend. She’s just amazing,” he said.

Enioluwa Adeoluwa, a media personality, who also doubled as MC for the cookathon, told CNN: “When a Nigerian is doing something we all come out to show support… We are super excited. She’s doing such an amazing job.”

“She’s opening the door to the African food market and showing all the youth out here that if you can dream it, you can achieve it,” actor and Nollywood star Damilola Ogunsi said.

Celebrities including musician Tiwa Savage and local politicians visited Bassey during the cooking challenge.

Bassey said that she nearly gave up on the first day, but after surpassing the previous record, she decided to aim for 100 hours.

“The first day was the most difficult. I was ready to give up 6 hours in. I feel like a miracle happened and somehow I got to this. The support has been incredible,” she said.

1. Her real name is Hilda Bassey Effiong. She is a young Nigerian chef from Nsit Ubium LGA in Akwa Ibom State, She owes a food brand in Lagos called “My Food by Hilda”

2. She cooked 4 days (100 hours) non-stop.

3. She stood up all through her cooking, she was not permitted to sit while cooking.

4. She was not allowed to take coffee, stimulants, or any energy drink to artificially boost her energy and bodily strength while cooking.

5. She was allowed to eat food, drink water or fruit juice, and take glucose.

6. The cooking took place at Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.

7. She cooked round the clock, no sleep (Morning, afternoon, evening, and night)

8. She had just 5 minutes rest per hour [meaning for every 1 hour, she was entitled to just 5 minutes rest or break, an hour break in every 12 hours].

9. She spent the 30mins in a medical van which was just close by, within which she napped, used the restroom, and also had medical assessment by the medical team available on the spot.

10. Whatever she cooked was shared to the people at the venue for FREE.

11. She cooked different meals simultaneously. She was at liberty to cook any meal she likes.

12. Every meal cooked and every plate served was recorded.

13. The current holder of the title Hilda seeks to break is an Indian chef Lata Tandon, who set a Guinness World Record for cooking for 87 hours and 45 minutes non-stop in 2019.

By Stephanie Busari