Chef Hilda Effiong Bassey popularly known as Hilda Baci, is a Nigerian chef, entrepreneur, and TV personality who rose to international fame after breaking the Guinness World Records for the longest cooking marathon by an individual in 2023.
She is the founder of My Food by Hilda, a Lagos-based restaurant brand. She has become a symbol of inspiration for young African women chasing their dreams.
Hilda Baci Biography
| Full Name | Hilda Effiong Bassey |
| Stage Name | Hilda Baci |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | Sociology degree, Madonna University, Okija |
| Profession | Chef, Restaurateur, Media Personality |
| Business | Founder, My Food by Hilda |
| Famous For | Breaking the Guinness World Record for longest cooking marathon (93 h 11 min) in May 2023 |
| Social Media | Instagram: @hildabaci, Twitter/X: @hildabacicooks, Facebook: Hilda Baci |
Early Life and Education
Hilda Effiong Bassey (born on September 20, 1995, 30 years old) is from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. She grew up in a family passionate about food, inspired by her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who runs the restaurant brand Calabar Pot.
She had her early education in Nigeria before graduating with a degree in Sociology from Madonna University, Okija.
Career Journey
Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey began her professional culinary journey in 2020 with the launch of My Food by Hilda, which quickly attracted loyal customers in Lagos.
Her career highlights include:
- Hosting “Dine on a Budget” on Pop Central TV.
- Featuring in cooking shows on Rave TV.
- Winning the Jollof Faceoff Competition (2021), defeating Ghana’s Leslie Kumordzie in a highly celebrated Nigeria vs Ghana culinary battle.
The Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon
The Attempt
In March 2023, Hilda announced her goal to break the world record for the longest cooking marathon, previously held by Indian chef Lata Tondon (87 h 45 min, 2019).
From May 11–15, 2023, she hosted her Cook-a-thon at Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos. Guinness set strict rules:
- A 5-minute rest for every hour cooked, which could be accumulated.
- At least two dishes are prepared at all times.
- All meals had to be eaten or donated.
The Outcome
Hilda aimed initially for 100 hours, but Guinness deducted time for early break violations. On June 13, 2023, Guinness officially confirmed her record at 93 hours 11 minutes, making her the world record-holder at the time.
She cooked over 100 pots of food, served thousands of portions for free, and donated leftovers to the Festus Fajemilo Foundation.
Public Reactions and Impact
- Millions followed the Cook-a-thon via Instagram Live.
- Guinness’s website crashed due to traffic from her fans.
- She was supported by dignitaries such as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and singer Tiwa Savage.
Her achievement fueled a West African Guinness World Record boom, inspiring other Africans to attempt endurance records.
Losing the Record
In November 2023, Irish chef Alan Fisher surpassed her with a time of 119 h 57 min, officially taking the title from Hilda.
Still, Hilda remains the first Nigerian chef to break the record and one of the most celebrated figures in Nigeria’s culinary history.
Personal Life
Hilda keeps her personal life private but remains vocal about her mission to use food as a tool for empowerment and global recognition of Nigerian cuisine.
She said:
“I decided to break this record to put Nigerian cuisine on the global map and inspire young African women to chase their dreams.”
Hilda Baci’s Net Worth
Hilda Baci is a Nigerian chef, entrepreneur, and TV personality with a net worth of $500,000. Her income comes from her food brand My Food by Hilda, Media and TV appearances, Sponsorships, and brand endorsements.
