Canada-Based Nigerian Chef Aims To Break Guinness World Record With 15,500 Dishes In Kamloops.
A Canada-based Nigerian chef, Bukola Ejiwunmi, is poised to make history in Kamloops, British Columbia, as she undertakes an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by preparing an astonishing 15,500 dishes. The culinary marathon, which began on 24 July 2025, is not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of Nigerian cuisine and the vibrant Nigerian diaspora in Canada.
Ejiwunmi, a Kamloops resident and proud Nigerian, is driven by a passion to showcase the rich flavours of her homeland while putting her adopted city on the global culinary stage. The chef, who owns Bukky’s Kitchen, a popular local eatery specialising in African dishes, plans to cook continuously for 250 hours, surpassing the current record of 140 hours, 11 minutes, and 11 seconds set by Liberian-Australian chef Evette Quoibia in Melbourne in February 2024. Her menu will feature a diverse array of Nigerian staples, including jollof rice, egusi stew, pounded yam, and suya, alongside innovative fusion dishes to captivate a global audience.
Speaking at a press conference before the attempt, Ejiwunmi expressed her determination to inspire others. “This is about more than a record; it’s about showcasing Nigerian culture and proving that with hard work, anything is possible,” she said. Supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, including local chefs and community members, Ejiwunmi has spent months preparing, ensuring compliance with Guinness World Records’ strict guidelines, which include five-minute rest breaks per hour of cooking and no barbecuing or baking as primary cooking methods.
The event, hosted at Kamloops’ Riverside Park, has drawn significant local support, with residents and businesses rallying behind Ejiwunmi. The city’s mayor praised her initiative, noting its potential to boost tourism and highlight Kamloops’ multicultural community. Food prepared during the marathon will be distributed to local charities, including shelters and food banks, ensuring no waste and giving back to the community that has embraced her.
Ejiwunmi’s journey to this moment has been one of resilience. Born in Lagos, she moved to Canada over a decade ago, building a reputation as a skilled chef blending Nigerian and Canadian culinary traditions. Her attempt has also sparked pride among the Nigerian diaspora, with social media abuzz with messages of encouragement using hashtags like #BukkyCooksTheWorld. The marathon is being live-streamed on Instagram, allowing global audiences to follow her progress.
Guinness World Records officials are on-site to monitor the attempt, reviewing footage and evidence to verify the record. Ejiwunmi’s team has implemented rigorous stock control to manage the vast quantities of ingredients needed for 15,500 dishes, each designed to serve multiple people. Local suppliers have donated produce, and a GoFundMe campaign has helped cover costs, reflecting the community spirit behind the endeavour.
As Ejiwunmi powers through the gruelling marathon, her story is inspiring both Nigerians and Canadians alike. “I want young people, especially from Africa, to see that dreams know no borders,” she said. If successful, she will not only claim the record but also cement Kamloops as a hub of cultural and culinary excellence, proving that passion and perseverance can create a lasting global impact.