Popular Nigerian chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has opened up about one of the biggest challenges she faced while building her cooking career.
During a candid conversation on Pulse Nigeria, the famous chef revealed that learning how to cook the perfect jollof rice was not easy for her at the beginning.
According to Hilda, many people assume that preparing jollof rice is simple because it is one of the most common meals in Nigerian homes. However, she explained that mastering the dish took her a long time.
“I had to try many times before I finally understood what I needed to do to get it right every time,” she said during the interview. The chef explained that the process involved learning the right balance of ingredients, the correct heat level, and the timing needed to produce the rich flavour that people love.
Hilda’s revelation surprised many viewers, especially because she is now widely known for her cooking skills and her record-breaking achievements in the kitchen.
Beyond discussing jollof rice, the chef also spoke about her drive to succeed. She explained that one of her biggest dreams has always been to make a name for herself and help put Nigerian food on the global map.
She also encouraged young people who are passionate about cooking not to wait for the perfect moment before starting. According to her, the most important step is to begin and keep improving with practice.
Hilda believes that with determination and consistency, anyone can develop their skills, just like she eventually mastered one of Nigeria’s most famous dishes.