Hilda Effiong Bassey, a 27-year-old Nigerian chef from Akwa Ibom State, has officially set the world record for the longest cooking marathon, as confirmed by Guinness World Records. Over four days, she cooked continuously for an astonishing 93 hours and 11 minutes. The remarkable event, known as the #hildabacimarathon, commenced on Thursday, May 11, 2023, and concluded on Monday, May 15, 2023. Throughout her culinary journey, Hilda managed to prepare over 100 delectable dishes, surpassing the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Indian chef Lata Tandon in 2019.
Achieving the title of the longest cooking marathon is no easy task, as the chef must concurrently cook at least two items. Additionally, the number, name, and weight of each cooked item must be meticulously documented and submitted for verification by Guinness World Records. Hilda successfully fulfilled these requirements, further solidifying her incredible accomplishment.
Hilda originally aimed to establish a record of 100 hours; however, due to a minor oversight during one of her rest breaks early on in the cook-a-thon, she inadvertently exceeded the allowed time. As per the regulations, participants are granted a total of 5-minute breaks for every hour of cooking. Consequently, nearly seven hours were deducted from Hilda's final tally. Despite this setback, her achievement remains exceptional.
Aside from her record-breaking endeavour, Hilda is the founder of a catering business called "My Food by Hilda" and also serves as a TV host. She completed her early education in Nigeria and obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology from Madonna University, Okija. In 2020, Hilda embarked on her journey as a chef and utilized social media, particularly Instagram, to establish a platform. Through her engaging content, she showcases her culinary skills and establishes connections with her audience.
Hilda's rise to fame can be attributed to her unwavering passion and remarkable ability to infuse traditional Nigerian ingredients with modern culinary techniques, resulting in unique and tantalizing recipes. Before her record-breaking feat, she had already garnered several awards for her contributions to Nigerian cuisine.
Breaking a Guinness World Record is a formidable undertaking that demands immense dedication, hard work, and meticulous preparation. Hilda Baci's accomplishment is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft. Her awe-inspiring cooking marathon will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to aspiring chefs worldwide, motivating them to strive for new heights and realize their own culinary ambitions.