In a sizzling feat that’s left the culinary world buzzing, Evette Quoibia, a Liberian-born chef based in Melbourne, Australia, has clinched the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. For 140 hours, 11 minutes, and 11 seconds—over five grueling days—she stood at her stove, dishing out mouthwatering West African flavors to a hungry crowd. This isn’t just a story of stamina; it’s a testament to passion, grit, and the power of food to unite communities.
From February 14 to February 19, 2024, Quoibia transformed a culinary school kitchen in Melbourne into a stage for her record-breaking endeavor. Born in Ivory Coast to Liberian parents who fled civil war, she grew up with a love for cooking, stirring pots as a child while others played with toys. Now a restaurant owner, she brought her heritage to life, serving up Liberian staples like jollof rice, cassava leaves, and peppery soups. Her menu also nodded to Nigerian, Asian, and Australian cuisines, ensuring everyone could dig in. The kitchen doors stayed open for six days, welcoming anyone in Melbourne craving a taste of her vibrant dishes.
Quoibia’s journey to this record wasn’t a walk in the park. She spent two months planning, rallying her church, an assistant chef, and a team of volunteers. A GoFundMe campaign and a massive grocery haul—think sacks of rice, semolina flour, and cassava—kept her stocked. The rules were strict: cook non-stop, with only five-minute breaks per hour, and every dish had to be consumed. She smashed the previous record of 119 hours, 57 minutes, set by Irish chef Alan Fisher in 2023, by over 20 hours. Guinness World Records confirmed her achievement on March 24, 2025, after reviewing video evidence.
This marathon took place at a culinary school across from a grocery store, where Quoibia could grab fresh ingredients as needed. Her goal was clear: showcase Liberian cuisine and inspire others, especially women, to chase their dreams. The Melbourne community showed up in droves, and her story rippled across the globe, earning praise from foodies and record-breakers alike. Posts on X celebrated her triumph, with one user calling her an “inspiration” for cooking 140 hours straight.
Quoibia’s win is a proud moment for African culinary talent, echoing the buzz when Nigerian chef Hilda Baci held the same record in 2023 with 93 hours, 11 minutes. It’s a reminder that African flavors, from jollof to stews, are winning hearts worldwide. Yet, it also sparks curiosity: who’s next to take up the challenge? Quoibia’s story isn’t just about breaking records—it’s about breaking barriers, one delicious plate at a time.
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