Africa’s rich culinary heritage has reached new heights as Ivorian chef Zeinab Bancé achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon. On December 23, Bancé surpassed the previous record of 119 hours and 57 minutes set by Irish chef Alan Fischer, extending the milestone to an astounding 131 hours and 30 minutes.
The marathon, held in Koumassi, a district in southern Abidjan, spanned five days of near-continuous cooking. Bancé, who boasts 17 years of culinary experience, demonstrated extraordinary endurance by adhering to Guinness World Record rules. She was allowed only five-minute breaks for every hour worked and managed just two hours of sleep each night.
A Culinary Journey Across Cultures
During the five-day challenge, Bancé prepared approximately 15,000 meals, representing an impressive 293 traditional dishes from various regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Her record-breaking endeavor celebrated the richness of Ivorian cuisine, showcasing its diversity to a global audience.
More than a personal achievement, Bancé’s marathon had a humanitarian purpose. The meals she prepared were distributed to displaced individuals and people in need, turning her culinary triumph into an act of generosity and community support.
Raising the Bar for African Culinary Excellence
Bancé’s accomplishment highlights Africa’s burgeoning culinary talent and passion, placing Côte d’Ivoire on the map for its contributions to global gastronomy. Her determination and creativity not only earned her a spot in the Guinness World Records but also inspired chefs and food enthusiasts across the continent.
This milestone follows a growing trend of African talents making headlines with record-breaking feats, reaffirming the region’s vibrancy and innovation.
