Hilda Baci finally dethroned… meet Alan Fisher, the new world cooking record holder

Nigeria’s Hilda Baci has been dethroned as her ‘Longest cooking marathon (individual)’ record has been broken by an Irish chef, Alan Fisher.

This was confirmed by the Guinness World Record (GWR) on 7th November, 2023 via their X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Alan who now holds the record for longest cooking hours prepared dishes for a total of 119 hours and 57 minutes; beating Hilda’s record by more than 24 hours.

Hilda whose record was confirmed on the 13 of June, barely 5 months ago has congratulated Alan via her X handle. She wrote, “Huge congratulations to Alan Fisher! 119hrs 57mins is a huge achievement, and I wish him all the best as the new world record holder!”

Who is Alan Fisher?

Alan is a two-time Guinness World Record holder. First, he’s claimed the longest cooking marathon (individual) formerly held by Hilda after clocking in a time of 119 hours 57 minutes.

The Japan-based restaurant owner and chef also went on to claim the record for the longest baking marathon (individual), with a time of 47 hours 21 minutes. This was formerly held by Wendy Sandner (USA) with a time of 31 hours 16 minutes.

Both attempts were made back to back, totaling over 160 hours of continuous work.

Following a nine-day baking and cooking marathon, Alan had produced a remarkable 357 kg of soda bread and 590 kg of dishes, equivalent to 3,360 portions across 32 recipes.

He expressed that “Lata and Hilda’s achievements served as an inspiration.’

Alan’s restaurant Kyojin Stewhouse primarily focuses on traditional Irish foods including stews, soups, homemade breads, and potatoes.

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The Long List of Contenders

Chef Dammy

Adeparusi Damilola popularly called Chef Dammy began the 120-hour cooking marathon on 9 June and finished on 13 June. This generated lots of controversies as it received both praise and criticism.

However, in a later development, the Ekiti Chef and Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) said she engaged in the cook-a-thon to test herself and would embark on a 150-hour cooking marathon, which has not been done.

In a BBC interview, she said “I did it because I enjoy cooking. I didn’t do it to be recognised by the Guinness World Record or to break Hilda Baci’s record.”

Maliha Mohammed

Kenyan cook, Maliha Mohammed, in August, attempted to break Hilda Baci’s record for the longest cooking marathon.

Chef Mohammed set an unofficial record on August 11 which was not confirmed by GWR

She had previously broken the Guinness World Record in 2019.

Wonyean Aloycious Gaye

Liberian chef, Wonyean Aloycious Gaye also attempted to break the record in May but never scaled through.

“Records are meant to be broken. So if my team want me to take up the challenge, with everyone’s support. I may go for it without fear at the nearest possible time🙏

“We’re waiting for GWR to confirm the chef so we can start our journey.”

Adeyeye Adeola

Nigerian chef, Adeyeye Adeola attempted a 150-hour cook-a-thon in June.

The chef began her cooking marathon in the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Friday, June 30, 2023, which was concluded on Thursday, July 6, 2023. However, this was not confirmed by GWR.

Fact check: Do you have to wait for 12 months after a record was made before applying to GWR?

Following attempts by Nigerians and individuals from other countries to beat Hilda’s record. Many raised eyebrows and also argued that a record cannot be contested till after 12 months, but that has been debunked as untrue by the Guinness World Record. A conversation on X between @unotimmy and @GWR revealed this.

@unotimmy asked, “What about the rules of not applying until after a year?”

@GWR replied, “That was just a rumour, records can be broken anytime!”