Known for her Guinness World Record and cooking abilities, Hilda Baci recently stated that Nigerian Jollof rice was superior, claiming Ghanaian Jollof lacked flavor. This comment did not sit well with a particular Ghanaian woman, who fiercely responded on social media.
The woman criticized Bassi, arguing that her achievements don’t necessarily make her an authority on food taste. She accused Bassi of lacking restraint in her comments and disrespecting Ghanaians who admired her. Further, she challenged the basis of Bassi’s culinary preferences, suggesting that Bassi’s own cooking, heavily reliant on curry and onions, might not be the standard for flavorful food.
The woman’s response escalated when she proposed a Jollof rice cook-off against Bassi, confident of her victory. She also brought the origin of Jollof rice into the discussion, acknowledging Senegal’s role in its history. She emphasized that each country’s unique take on Jollof rice is valid and flavorful in its own right.
This controversy comes in the wake of Bassi’s recent dethronement by a man named Alan, who set a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time. Alan’s feat, breaking two records simultaneously, ended Bassi’s reign since July.
Hilda Bassi’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about culinary nationalism and the pride associated with national dishes. Jollof rice, a beloved dish in West Africa, has often been at the center of friendly rivalry, particularly between Nigeria and Ghana. This latest episode is a testament to the passion and pride that people have for their national cuisines.
