Hilda Baci is far more than a record breaker. When she first captivated Nigerians and the wider world with her marathon cook-a-thon that earned her a Guinness World Record, she proved that sheer endurance could turn a quiet kitchen dream into a global headline. Months later, she returned to the Guinness spotlight as a two-time title holder, cementing her status as a culinary force. Yet Hilda’s story is not just about numbers on a stopwatch; it is about a woman who has built an entire movement around Nigerian food culture and the belief that hard work, heritage, and heart can change lives.
Since that first record-shattering event, Hilda has become a household name and a symbol of modern Nigerian entrepreneurship. She has launched lively cookery masterclasses that draw young chefs eager to learn her techniques, from perfecting smoky jollof rice to plating contemporary takes on traditional stews. Her partnership with Gino seasoning has taken those flavours to audiences across the country, where she demonstrates that Nigerian home cooking can be both authentic and inventive. Pop-up dining experiences in Lagos and Abuja give diners a chance to taste her latest creations while showcasing the bounty of local ingredients.
Hilda’s reach now extends well beyond the kitchen. She travels widely, hosting live demonstrations and speaking at events focused on youth empowerment and food sustainability. Through mentorship programmes, she encourages aspiring cooks, especially women, to see culinary arts as a viable, respected profession. Her digital content, from recipe videos to behind-the-scenes glimpses of her bustling test kitchen, inspires hundreds of thousands of followers who tune in not only for tips but also for a reminder that Nigerian cuisine deserves its place on the global stage.
What sets Hilda apart is her balance of tradition and innovation. She draws deep inspiration from her Akwa Ibom roots, highlighting indigenous spices and time-honoured techniques, yet she is unafraid to experiment with global trends or modern plating. Her dishes feel both nostalgic and new, a reflection of Nigeria itself: proud of its heritage and brimming with youthful energy.
Looking ahead, Hilda shows no signs ofslowing down. Plans for a flagship culinary studio are already underway, designed to host immersive classes, intimate dinners, and collaborations with chefs from around the world. She often speaks about creating more opportunities for the next generation, whether through scholarships, community kitchens, or nationwide cooking competitions, so that the spark she ignited can light thousands more.
Hilda Baci’s journey captures the spirit of a contemporary Lagos entrepreneur: grounded in tradition, endlessly inventive, and unafraid to dream bigger with every success. From a determined young chef to a national icon and two-time Guinness World Record holder, she embodies the unstoppable drive that defines Nigeria’s culinary renaissance. For Hilda, this is only the beginning, and for the world of Nigerian cuisine, it feels like a feast that is just getting started.
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Instagram: @hildabaci | Tiktok: @hildabaci