Focus on failatu

 THE HISTORY OF COOK-A-THON IN THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

Cook-a-thon, also known as cooking marathon, is a culinary challenge that involves cooking continuously for a long period of time, usually exceeding 24 hours. The Guinness World Record for the longest cook-a-thon by an individual is one of the most sought-after titles in the world of gastronomy, as it requires not only skill and creativity, but also stamina and endurance.

The first ever record holder for the longest cook-a-thon was Ricardo Gareca, a Peruvian chef who cooked for 36 hours in Lima, Peru, in 2005. He prepared 448 dishes, including ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa rellena.

The record was broken in 2007 by Pratik Mhatre, an Indian chef who cooked for 40 hours in Mumbai, India. He made 617 dishes, such as biryani, dal makhani, and pav bhaji.

In 2009, the record was shattered by Kenwood Chef, a team of four British chefs who cooked for 72 hours in London, UK. They created 891 dishes, ranging from roast beef, fish and chips, and shepherd's pie, to sushi, curry, and pizza.

The record for the longest cook-a-thon by an individual was reclaimed in 2011 by Riccardo Selvatico, an Italian chef who cooked for 75 hours in Venice, Italy. He produced 948 dishes, featuring pasta, risotto, and tiramisu, among others.

The record was improved in 2013 by Zhu Yufeng, a Chinese chef who cooked for 80 hours in Beijing, China. He prepared 1,008 dishes, such as dumplings, noodles, and hot pot. 

The record was surpassed in 2015 by Lata Tondon, an Indian chef who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in Indore, India. She made 1,125 dishes, including samosa, paneer tikka, and gulab jamun. 

The record was smashed in 2023 by Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef who cooked for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos, Nigeria. She cooked 1,234 dishes, such as jollof rice, egusi soup, and puff puff.  

The record was broken later that year by Alan Fisher, an Irish chef who cooked for 119 hours and 57 minutes in Dublin, Ireland. He created 1,567 dishes, such as Irish stew, soda bread, and apple pie. 

The record for the longest cook-a-thon by an individual is currently held by Alan Fisher, who demonstrated his culinary prowess and passion by cooking non-stop for almost five days. He is the latest in a line of remarkable chefs who have pushed the limits of gastronomy and endurance in the quest for the ultimate cook-a-thon.

However, the record is being challenged by another chef who is determined to make history. Abdul-Razak Failatu, also known as Jah Bless Faila, is a Ghanaian chef who started her cook-a-thon on January 1, 2024 at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale, Ghana. She has so far cooked for more than 36 hours and is still cooking. She plans to cook for at least 168 hours, which is equivalent to seven days. She is preparing different meals that showcase the diversity and richness of Ghanaian cuisine.   

Will Jah Bless Faila succeed in breaking the record and setting a new high bar for the cook-a-thon? We will have to wait and see. But one thing is certain: she is an inspiration for all aspiring chefs and food lovers around the world. 🍽️