In the high-stakes world of international culinary achievement, Hilda Baci stands as a symbol of pure grit and African excellence. Her story is one of relentless ambition, evolving from a local Lagos chef into a three-time Guinness World Record holder, single-handedly redefining the commercial potential of the African kitchen.
In this comprehensive biography, we dive into what we know about Hilda Baci her early life, her history-making 2026 milestones, and where things stand today.
Early Life & Background
Born on September 20, 1995, in Akwa Ibom State, Hilda Effiong Bassey grew up in a household where the kitchen was a heritage. She draws much of her inspiration from her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, a professional chef. While Hilda earned a degree in Sociology from Madonna University, her true calling was culinary arts. She sharpened her skills hosting Dine on a Budget before launching My Food by Hilda in Lekki, Lagos. What makes her story stand out is how she used her “Surulere-style” hustle to build a premium brand that now competes on a global stage.
Hilda Baci Official Profile & Social Media
- Full Name: Hilda Effiong Bassey
- Date of Birth: September 20, 1995
- Occupation: Chef, CEO of My Food by Hilda
- Instagram: @hildabaci
- X (Twitter): @hildabacicooks
The Cook-athon and Global Fame
The world first recognized Hilda in May 2023 when she embarked on the “Hilda Baci Cook-athon.” After cooking for over 100 hours in Lagos, she was officially certified at 93 hours and 11 minutes. This moment was a digital phenomenon that proved African cuisine could command global attention. Following the success, she transitioned from a viral sensation into a shrewd entrepreneur, launching the Hilda Baci Academy to train the next generation of African chefs.
2026 Status & Life Today
As of February 12, 2026, Hilda Baci has officially become a three-time Guinness World Record holder.
In January 2026, Guinness World Records confirmed that her September 2025 Jollof rice attempt actually qualified for two separate titles: the Largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice and the Largest serving of rice overall.
She is currently managing the Hilda Baci Academy, which has graduated over 10,000 students as of this month. In early February 2026, she announced a new international partnership to bring her signature sauces to retail stores in the UK and USA.
Significance & Impact
Why does Hilda Baci’s story matter?
- Economic Empowerment: She has professionalized the chef career path for thousands of young Africans.
- Cultural Power: By breaking records with Jollof rice, she cemented Nigeria’s culinary dominance in the global “Jollof Wars.”
- Philanthropy: She remains a vocal advocate for youth empowerment, frequently providing scholarships to aspiring culinary entrepreneurs.
Hilda Baci Net Worth in 2026
With her massive culinary academy, restaurant revenue, and global endorsements with brands like Gino, Hilda Baci’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million – $3.5 million. She remains one of the most bankable young entrepreneurs in Nigeria today.
Key Timeline
- 2023: Completes her legendary 100-hour Cook-athon in Lagos.
- 2024: Launches the Hilda Baci Academy for aspiring chefs.
- September 2025: Prepares the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice (8,780kg).
- January 2026: Officially confirmed as a three-time Guinness World Record holder.
FAQ Section
Q1: Who is Hilda Baci?
A1: Hilda Baci is a Nigerian celebrity chef and entrepreneur who became famous for breaking Guinness World Records for cooking.
Q2: How many records does she have now?
A2: As of 2026, she holds three Guinness World Records related to cooking and large-scale food preparation.
Q3: What did she study in school?
A3: She graduated with a degree in Sociology from Madonna University before pursuing her culinary career.
Conclusion
Hilda Baci’s story is a reminder that discipline and vision can turn a passion into a global legacy. From a sociology student to a three-time world record holder, she has set the standard for African excellence in 2026. As she continues to expand her culinary empire, her impact on the next generation of African creatives is only just beginning.