A Nigerian chef cooked up a storm — about 100 hours straight — trying to set a new world record for the longest culinary marathon by an individual.
Hilda Bassey, 27, known on social media as Hilda Baci, began cooking in her kitchen Thursday and continued till Monday evening, preparing more than 100 meals in all.
Baci is hoping to beat the Guinness World Record set by Lata Tondon, an Indian chef who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes straight in 2019.
Guinness World Records said it will have to review the evidence to ensure Baci didn’t cook the books.
“We are aware of the record attempt and are looking forward to receiving the evidence for our Records Management Team to review before we can confirm the record is official,” a rep said.
Thousands of Baci’s supporters gathered in the Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, on Monday as she was finishing up her cooking marathon.
The renowned Nigerian chef said she hopes her efforts will showcase how hardworking Nigerian women are and shine a spotlight on Nigerian food.
“Nigerian cuisine is the best out there,” she told CNN.
“The more recipes are propagated, the more people will be willing to try it. Nigerian food is such comfort food,” she added.
The chef said she nearly gave up on her first day of cooking but that once she surpassed the previous record, she felt inspired to continue, setting a goal for herself to hit 100 hours.
Tondon, the previous record holder, shared a heartfelt message of support for Baci as she proceeded with her attempt.
“The first day was the most difficult,” Baci said. “I was ready to give up six hours in. I feel like a miracle happened and somehow I got to this. The support has been incredible.”
Crowds gathered in support of Baci as she cooked, and despite forgoing sleep, she remained positive, oftentimes dancing and waving at the many fans who showed up in droves to support her, according to CNN.
Celebrities including Nigerian musician Tiwa Savage and local politicians also came to support Baci.
The determined chef only took 5-minute breaks every hour or accumulated one hour after a stretch of 12 hours.
After Baci surpassed the previous record, President Muhammadu Buhari tweeted that it was a great night for Nigeria.
“Hilda’s drive, ambition and resilience have brought great interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food,” the president wrote.
With Post wires
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