What began as a childhood passion has propelled Liberian-Australian chef Evette Quoibia into the global spotlight, as she officially shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), clocking an astonishing 140 hours, 11 minutes, and 11 seconds. That’s nearly six days of non-stop cooking.
Driven by ambition, resilience, and a deep love for sharing food, Evette transformed her Melbourne kitchen into a hub of warmth and West African flavors. For six days, the doors remained open to anyone eager to try dishes like Liberian-style jollof rice, cassava leaf stew, and okra soup, flavors that told her story of perseverance, migration, and hope.
From War Survivor to Culinary Star
Born during Liberia’s civil war, Evette’s early life was shaped by constant movement, first to the Ivory Coast, then Ghana, and eventually to Australia. But even amid uncertainty, one thing remained constant: her love of cooking. “Since I was eight, while other kids were playing with toys, I was cooking,” she recalled.
Now a restaurant owner and mother, Evette decided in 2023 that she wanted to do something “out of the ordinary.” When she discovered the cook-a-thon record, she saw her chance. “This was within my skills,” she said. “I always dreamed of doing something big.”
A Dream Fueled by Community
To prepare for the record-breaking attempt, Evette spent two months planning with event organizers, church members, volunteers, and an assistant chef. A GoFundMe helped cover supplies, while she stocked up on staples like rice, cassava, tomatoes, and spices for a menu that was both rooted in Liberian tradition and globally inspired.
“I wanted everyone to feel included,” she said, noting she also incorporated Nigerian, Asian, and Australian influences into the meals. Despite early hiccups, like power issues and the exhaustion of working around the clock, Evette leaned on her team and faith to carry her through.
The Physical and Mental Toll
Cooking for nearly six days straight pushed Evette to her limits. She was allowed only a 20-minute break every four hours, and even that proved tricky, walking to and from her rest area cost precious time. “The power naps were the hardest,” she admitted. “I’d wake up groggy, disoriented, and it was harder to get back into rhythm.”
By day four, the exhaustion was nearly unbearable. “I was mentally out of it,” she confessed. “But my team kept me grounded. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
A Celebration of Strength and Spirit
Then, the moment came. A member of her church announced that she had surpassed the existing record of 119 hours and 57 minutes. The room erupted in cheers. “I was so happy. It didn’t feel real,” Evette said, waving a Liberian flag as she celebrated with music, food, and hugs. And after handing out the last of her delicious meals, she finally took a break, a three-day nap to recover.
A Message to the World
More than just a personal triumph, Evette sees her achievement as a message to women, migrants, and anyone who has ever felt limited by their circumstances. “People don’t always know what they’re capable of until they try,” she said. “If you have a dream, there’s hope for you.”
While she doesn’t know how long her record will stand, she’s excited that her journey might inspire someone else’s. “I just wanted my life to be an example that there’s a place for each of us to do something great.”
