Hilda Baci: A Culinary Icon's Rise to Global Fame
Hilda Baci, born Hilda Effiong Bassey on September 20, 1996, in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, has emerged as a towering figure in the culinary world. As of 2026, at 29 years old, this Akwa Ibom-native chef, restaurateur, and television personality has captivated Africa and beyond with her record-breaking feats. Her journey from assisting her mother in a small Abuja restaurant to holding three Guinness World Records is a testament to her relentless passion and determination.
Record-Breaking Achievements and National Pride
In May 2023, Hilda Baci embarked on a monumental cook-a-thon at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, cooking nonstop for 93 hours and 11 minutes. This effort shattered the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in 2019. Although she aimed for 100 hours, nearly seven hours were deducted due to exceeding permitted rest breaks. The event became a national sensation, with Guinness World Records officially certifying it on June 12, 2023. Then-President Muhammadu Buhari praised her for placing Nigeria in the global spotlight. However, this record was surpassed in November 2023 by Irish chef Alan Fisher, who cooked for 119 hours and 57 minutes in Japan, a feat Hilda publicly congratulated.
Undeterred, Hilda Baci continued her culinary conquests. On September 12, 2025, she cooked 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice over nine hours at Eko Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, in partnership with Gino Nigeria. This massive attempt, using a six-meter-wide steel pot and ingredients like 4,000 kg of basmati rice, earned her two more Guinness World Records: the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice and the largest serving of rice of any kind. Confirmed on September 15, 2025, and celebrated with a third plaque in February 2026, this achievement received support from the federal government under President Bola Tinubu and Akwa Ibom State's incoming First Lady.
Early Life and Educational Background
Hilda Baci's culinary roots trace back to her childhood. After her parents' separation, she moved to Abuja at age five with her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who runs Calabar Pot restaurant. Here, Hilda honed her skills by helping in the kitchen. She attended primary school in Abuja and later Federal Government Girls College, Abaji, where she was known for her outgoing personality. For higher education, she studied Sociology at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State, from 2011 to 2015. Following her 2023 record, the university offered her a PhD-level scholarship in recognition of her accomplishments.
Career Evolution and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Hilda Baci's career blossomed from a passion for cooking shared with friends and family on social media. She founded My Food by Hilda, a restaurant in Lekki, and is managed by Eggcorn Digital, a creative marketing agency. Her television roles include hosting Dine on a Budget on Pop Central TV and working as lunch division manager for Breaking King. Beyond cooking, she has ventured into acting, with credits in A Walk on Water (2021) and Mr. & centre Robert (2023). In 2026, she collaborated with fashion retailer MISKAY on a signature collection and became a Scanfrost brand ambassador in October 2025.
Personal Life and Public Engagement
Hilda Baci is engaged to Damilola "Dapson" Akinwunmi, a music executive and founder of Dapper Group. The couple, together for several years, announced their engagement in September 2025, with wedding plans speculated for 2026. Hilda maintains an active social media presence, sharing her journey and inspiring fans. Her net worth is estimated at $500,000, reflecting her success across multiple domains.
Frequently Asked Questions Clarified
- What is Hilda Baci's real name? Hilda Effiong Bassey, with "Hilda Baci" as her stage name.
- What is she famous for? Setting three Guinness World Records, including the longest cooking marathon and largest jollof rice serving.
- What did she study? Sociology at Madonna University, with culinary skills self-taught from her mother.
- How many siblings does she have? At least three: an older brother Gilbert, a younger sister, and a younger brother.
- Where is she from? Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, of the Ibibio ethnic group.
- Does she have a boyfriend? She is engaged to Damilola Akinwunmi.
- Does she still hold the cooking marathon record? No, it was broken by Alan Fisher in 2023.
Hilda Baci's story is one of resilience and innovation, showcasing how dedication can transform a local passion into global acclaim. Her achievements continue to inspire aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs across Nigeria and beyond.
