Nigerian cuisine was on full display on Friday in Lagos as Nigerian celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, launched her Guinness World Record bid for the Largest Pot of Jollof Rice.
Baci’s target is to cook 250 bags of rice in a massive 22,619-litre pot.
The event was a gathering of food enthusiasts, fans, well-wishers, influencers and local vendors.
Local media reports on Saturday said that while the Jollof pot was the star attraction, the event evolved into the showcase of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with the tag ‘Gino World Jollof Festival’.
Food stalls offered a variety of local delicacies, including roasted plantain, roasted potatoes and fish, served with pepper sauce and garnished with vegetables; soups and different varieties of pepper soup.
There were also local drinks, including kunu nzaki, zobo, tigernut, soy milk, small chops such as puff puff, mosa and samosas, as well as snacks like potato chips spiced with different flavours.
A Nigerian actor and content creator, Charles Born, highlighted how Nigerian food has continued to gain global attention.
“Associating with Hilda and the brands supporting her means that our food is being put on the map even more,” he said.
Vendors also observed the interest from visitors eager to try new foods and drinks.
The Chief Executive Officer of Zee Foods, Zuwaira Salisu, said that a guest asked about ‘Kunu Nzaki,’ a millet-based drink and promised returning to buy, after learning about its benefits.
For the food enthusiast, caterer Oghene Tejiri, the event was an opportunity to taste regional dishes and celebrate Nigerian flavours.
“I moved around and just had to come to where they had the food vendors, and I got small chops. It was very, very nice.
“I also had their tigernuts which tasted so, so nice.
“Beyond Jollof Rice, we have amazing meals. Down to our local soups and meals from different states,” she said.
The visitors as well as the organisers expressed delight at the turnout, especially the food, music and a celebratory atmosphere as Baci’s record quest served as the cultural showcase, affirming her role not just in breaking records, but in spotlighting Nigerian cuisine to the world.
GIK/APA