Hilda Effiong Bassey, a chef from Nigeria, became a household name after cooking nonstop for 100 hours in an effort to break a world record.
The chef, known online as Hilda Baci, worked nonstop from Thursday until Monday, producing more than 100 meals and more than 55 recipes in an effort to showcase the best of Nigerian cooking.
It is still up to the Guinness World Records committee to decide whether Bassey will hold the record and whether all of their requirements have been satisfied.
Lata Tondon, an Indian chef, set the benchmark in 2019 at 87 hours and 45 minutes. Tondon posted a message of encouragement for Bassey during her attempt.
Bassey told CNN that her desire to popularize Nigerian cuisine was what inspired her to try to break the record.
The best cuisine in the world, she declared, is Nigerian. “More people will be willing to try a recipe the more it is shared. Nigerian cuisine is so comforting, she continued.
Despite getting little sleep during her cooking binge in Lagos, Bassey maintained her positive attitude and could be seen dancing and waving to the throngs of fans who came out to cheer her on.
One man, Uduak Obong, told CNN that in order to get to the venue in Lagos, he boarded a bus at night and traveled hundreds of kilometers.’
“I traveled 12 hours to support my sister, my friend, right here. She’s simply incredible,” he said.
In an interview with CNN, media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa said, “When a Nigerian is doing something, we all come out to show support… We are very happy. She is working so incredibly hard.
Actor and Nollywood star Damilola Ogunsi said, “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.”
During the cooking competition, celebrities like the musician Tiwa Savage and regional officials paid Bassey a visit.
Bassey told insiderblm that after breaking the previous record, she almost quit on the first day but changed her mind and set her sights on 100 hours.
“The hardest day was the first. After six hours, I was ready to give up. I feel as though a miracle occurred to bring me to this. The help has been amazing, she said.
