In a recent podcast, Hilda Baci ignited a culinary controversy by boldly asserting that Nigerian Jollof rice surpasses its Ghanaian counterpart in flavor. The statement follows Baci’s participation in a cooking competition against a Ghanaian chef and her knowledge of the Ghanaian Jollof recipe. Ghanaians, in particular, have responded passionately, interpreting it as a subtle critique of their national dish.
On a different note, Japanese chef Alan Fisher has clinched the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, cooking for an astonishing 119 hours and 57 minutes. Nicknamed ‘the island man,’ Fisher surpassed the previous record held by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci by more than 24 hours. Fisher also set a new record for the longest baking marathon at 47 hours and 21 minutes, showcasing his exceptional endurance and passion for cooking.
Reflecting on earlier events this year, 26-year-old Nigerian chef Hilda Baci made headlines for her record-setting cooking marathon. Despite a minor miscalculation in her rest break, Baci cooked non-stop from May 11th to May 15th, preparing over 100 pots of food. Although her final count was adjusted, she successfully broke the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon from India in 2019.
These stories underscore the vibrant and competitive spirit of the culinary world, from the playful Jollof rice rivalry to the intense dedication required for record-breaking cooking marathons. These chefs and personalities continue to captivate both our imagination and taste buds.