Hilda Baci Biography: Early Life, Boyfriend, Age, Real name, Net Worth

Hilda Effiong Bassey also known Hilda Baci emerges as a vibrant Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress, and content creator, celebrated for her bold flavors and innovative twists on African dishes that blend tradition with modern flair. Rising from humble family roots in Akwa Ibom to global fame through her record-shattering cookathon, she has turned her passion for the kitchen into a thriving brand with My Food by Hilda, while hosting TV shows, dipping into acting, and launching educational initiatives that showcase her natural charisma.

Profile Overview

Real Name:	Hilda Effiong Bassey
Famous As:	Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress, and content creator
Date of Birth:	September 20, 1995
Age:	29 years old
Birthplace:	Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State
Nationality:	Nigerian
Ethnicity:	Ibibio
Religion:	Christianity
Education:	Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State
Height:	5 feet 3 inches
Parent:	Lynda Ndukwe (mother) and Effiong Bassey Eden (father)
Siblings:	Gilbert Baci, Flavio Baci, and one younger brother
Spouse:	None
Children:	None
Relationship:	Dating
Net Worth:	$500,000 USD

Hilda Baci Early Life and Education

Hilda Baci, a vibrant Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress, and content creator, stepped into the world on September 20, 1995, in the close-knit community of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. her father, Effiong Bassey Eden, shaping her early taste for bold Nigerian flavors from street-side spots in Calabar before the family shifted to Abuja. Alongside her three siblings—brothers Gilbert and Flavio, plus one younger brother—she learned the ropes of hard work and creativity in the kitchen, often helping out with family meals that sparked her lifelong pull toward cooking. 

Educationally, Hilda balanced her culinary curiosity with formal studies, enrolling at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. The choice of major might seem unrelated at first glance, but it honed her understanding of social dynamics—how food unites people across classes, cultures, and generations—which later infused her work with deeper meaning. University life in the early 2010s was a whirlwind; amid lectures on societal structures, Hilda squeezed in weekend cooking sessions for dorm mates, turning her tiny hostel kitchen into a mini hotspot. 

She graduated around 2017, armed not just with a diploma but a clear vision: to elevate Nigerian cuisine on a global stage. Post-graduation, she dove into culinary training programs, drawing directly from her mother’s expertise while incorporating formal techniques like food safety certifications and menu planning courses.

Hilda credits her Ibibio roots and Christian faith for her grounded outlook, often quoting Bible verses on perseverance during tough prep days. Her early life wasn’t a straight path to stardom but a flavorful mosaic of family bonds, modest beginnings, and quiet ambition that simmered until ready to burst forth.

Hilda baci Career

Hilda Baci kicked off her pro path around 2020, launching My Food by Hilda as a home-based meal prep service in Lagos that quickly grew into a full restaurant and delivery spot, drawing crowds with fresh, healthy takes on jollof rice, egusi soups, and fusion plates using local ingredients. What started as WhatsApp orders for busy professionals soon ballooned into a brick-and-mortar haven in Victoria Island, where Hilda’s signature dishes—like her smoky plantain chips or herb-infused pounded yam—earned rave reviews for balancing authenticity with accessibility.

By 2022, the eatery had expanded to high-end fast-casual spots, catering events for corporate gigs and weddings, proving her knack for scaling without losing that homey touch. Her business model emphasizes empowerment, employing mostly women from local communities and training them in culinary skills, turning My Food by Hilda into more than a restaurant—it’s a launchpad for aspiring chefs.

She stepped into TV as host of Dine on a Budget on Pop Central TV, sharing wallet-friendly recipes that built her fanbase, then snagged the win at the 2021 Jollof Face-Off against Ghana’s Leslie Kumordzie, proving her edge in West African staples. The competition, a playful rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, saw Hilda defend the “Naija jollof” crown with a spicy, aromatic rendition that clinched $5,000 and viral fame, highlighting her competitive spirit and diplomatic charm in post-match interviews. 

This victory wasn’t just about flavor; it spotlighted Hilda’s role in cultural diplomacy through food, using the platform to bridge divides with shared meals. Her big leap came in March 2023 when she announced a cookathon to smash the Guinness record for longest cooking marathon, pulling off a live-streamed event from May 11-14 at Amore Gardens in Lekki that whipped up over 100 pots for 30-35 servings each, from akara to pasta twists. The marathon drew celebs like Tiwa Savage and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plus millions online, turning her into a national icon. 

High-profile visits included Pastor Bolaji Idowu for prayers and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s encouraging call, while fans flooded the venue, creating an electric atmosphere of chants and cheers. 

Hilda powered through on sheer willpower, incorporating five-minute hourly breaks for rest, and even when fatigue hit, her smiles and stories kept the energy high. The event wasn’t just endurance; it was a cultural showcase, with Hilda explaining each recipe’s heritage—why ofada rice pairs perfectly with ayamase, or the symbolism of edikang ikong in Ibibio celebrations. Post-event, she revealed spending over N80 million of her own funds, covering logistics, ingredients, and crew, underscoring her commitment.

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The marathon has since expanded into acting with roles in films like Dream Chaser and soaps, while running workshops and collabs that keep her brand cooking strong. In Dream Chaser (2023), Hilda played a lead aspiring chef navigating family pressures, drawing from her own life for authentic emotional depth; the film earned a Best Movie nod at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). 

She followed with supporting turns in A Walk on Water (2023) as Annie, a resilient community cook, and a guest spot in Mr & Mrs Robert (2023), blending her on-screen charisma with real culinary demos. These roles marked her pivot into Nollywood, where she advocates for more food-centric stories that celebrate African narratives. By 2024, Hilda launched the Hilda Baci Academy, offering online courses like the “Home to Pro Christmas Menu” class starting November 4, priced at 50,000 Naira, teaching everything from festive recipes to business basics, complete with certification.

Heading into 2025, her projects ramp up with a new My Food by Hilda outpost in Lekki Phase One, unveiled in December 2024—a sophisticated space blending intercontinental and Nigerian fare, appealing to food adventurers and lifestyle seekers alike. Hilda described the launch as “surreal,” crediting her team’s dedication for the upscale vibe with open kitchens and communal tables. 

Even bigger, on September 12, 2025, she partners with Gino for the Gino World Jollof Festival at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, attempting the world’s largest pot of jollof rice using 250 bags (over 5,000 kg) of rice and 1,583 kg of tomato paste in a custom 6m-wide pot. Backed by sponsors, this isn’t just a record chase; it’s a community celebration of West African identity, with live music, tastings for thousands, and cultural talks. 

Hilda’s vision: “Jollof is more than a dish—it’s our heartbeat.” Through it all, her career embodies empowerment, from mentoring young cooks to using her platform for charity, like post-cookathon fundraisers for women’s education. At 29, Hilda’s trajectory—from sociology grad to culinary icon—shows no signs of cooling; if anything, her flame burns brighter, promising more feasts that feed the world.

Social Media

Instagram handle: @hildabaci

Facebook handle: Hilda Baci

Twitter handle: @hildabacicooks

Personal Life

Hilda Baci, a vibrant Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress, and content creator, stands at 5 feet 3 inches and is now 29. She keeps her inner world steady and private, drawing real strength from family ties like her mum Lynda’s restaurant wisdom and sibling chats that ground her amid the fame rush. 

In a committed relationship but unmarried with no kids yet, she shares sweet, low-key moments with her partner on Instagram—think cozy date nights or quick travels—without spilling names or big details, letting the focus stay on her work and growth. No past marriage or family drama hits the headlines; it’s all about balanced hangs in Lagos, church Sundays that recharge her Christian faith, and trips back to Akwa Ibom that remind her of those early kitchen days. 

Rumors of surgery or high-profile romances swirl occasionally, but Hilda shuts them down gracefully, prioritizing mental health and boundaries. Her siblings—Gilbert’s artistic pursuits, Flavio’s social media flair, and the youngest’s quiet support—form a tight circle, often joining her for recipe tests or event cameos. Living between Abuja roots and Lagos hustle, Hilda unwinds with yoga, gospel music, and journaling, crediting therapy for navigating post-fame pressures. 

Did Hilda Baci break the record?

Yes, Hilda Baci broke the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual in May 2023, clocking 93 hours and 11 minutes after starting on May 11 and wrapping on May 14, surpassing the previous mark of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon in 2019. Guinness confirmed it officially in June 2023, though it was later beaten by Alan Fisher in November 2023 with 119 hours and 57 minutes.

How long did Hilda Baci cook?

Hilda Baci cooked for a total of 93 hours and 11 minutes during her record attempt, though she aimed for 100 hours—nearly seven hours got deducted for an extended rest break early on. Over those four days, she prepared more than 100 pots of Nigerian favorites like jollof rice and akara, serving up to 35 people per dish while live-streaming the whole push.

Hilda Baci Net Worth

Hilda Baci, a vibrant Nigerian chef, restaurateur, actress, and content creator, boasts an estimated net worth of $500,000 USD. Her wealth flows mainly from My Food by Hilda’s restaurant sales and catering gigs, plus TV hosting fees from Dine on a Budget and endorsements that rolled in post-cookathon. 

YouTube views and acting roles in films like Dream Chaser add steady bits, keeping her pockets full as she grows the brand without the big splash. Recent expansions, like the 2024 Lekki outpost and 2025 jollof festival partnerships with Gino, boost revenues through events and merch, while her academy courses generate passive income. 

Investments in real estate and luxury rides—a black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and 2024 Range Rover worth over N300 million—reflect smart growth, though Hilda emphasizes philanthropy, channeling portions to women’s training programs.

Conclusion

Hilda Baci’s story stands as a true Naija win, from Akwa Ibom kitchens to worldwide plates, showing how one woman’s fire in the stove can light up a whole continent. Her cookathon didn’t just break barriers—it sparked a record rush across Africa, from readathons to dance marathons, proving grit pays off big when you mix heart with hustle. 28 From her 2023 triumph to 2025’s jollof spectacle, Hilda’s evolved into a cultural force, blending food with film, education, and empowerment. 

Challenges like the record’s fleeting hold only fueled her pivot to sustainable ventures, inspiring millions to reclaim narratives through everyday acts like cooking. As she keeps dishing out those fresh vibes—whether in a Lagos eatery or a massive pot—expect more from this chef who’s just warming up. In a world quick to overlook African stories, Hilda serves as a reminder: our flavors, our fire, our future. With family at her core and faith as her guide, her legacy simmers on, one flavorful chapter at a time.