Kenyan Chef Yusuf Garani attempts longest cooking marathon World Record

Chef Yusuf Garani, who was introduced to the culinary world by Chef Maliha Mohammed, who herself attempted the challenge earlier but was never officially recognised by the Guiness World Records (GWR).

For four gruelling days, Chef Yusuf has stood firm, spatula in hand, attempting to cook his way into the history books with a arduous, non-stop cooking marathon designed to showcase the richness of Kenyan - and African cuisine - and the sheer tenacity of the everyday chef. 

"He is trying to cook again because my record was not yet verified unfortunately," Chef Maliha Mohammed told Citizen Digital.

For over 90 hours, Chef Yusuf and his team have made a myriad of meals from his Bamburi, Mombasa home where he has invited friends, family, fellow chefs and well wishers to witness as he attempts to bring the title home and bag the world record.

Yusuf's marathon showcases an impressive range of dishes, from traditional Swahili favorites like biryani and viazi karai to international cuisines.

"Since my record is still pending. He wanted to go do it again and got my blessings and he was inspired so he began his journey," Chef Maliha, who has been with him throughout the journey, said.

Yusuf, who is Chef Maliha's former sous chef, and who was with her as she attempted her own cooking marathons in 2023, spoke of the inspiration behind his own attempt - and the significance he hopes it has on the global arena.

"I am doing this to give a voice to the African chef," he asserted. "Every single plate I serve is a tribute to all African chefs who have inspired me and who are the true custodians of our culinary heritage. I want to tell the world: what they do is a craft, an art, and it deserves respect and recognition."

Also speaking highly of her own protege, Maliha commended Chef Yusuf for the feat, proud that her leadership, vision and ambition had rubbed off on her former sous chef.

"Seeing Chef Yusuf take on this incredible challenge fills me with pride. Its inspiring to witness him now creating his own legacy. As a trailblazer, I’m glad to see that what began as my dream has sparked courage and ambition in others," she said. 

She added, "This is what true leadership and mentorship mean — lighting a fire that inspires others to dream even bigger."

"My mission was to demonstrate the versatility and sophistication of African and Kenyan ingredients, moving beyond popular stereotypes and bringing the magic of Kenyan gastronomy to the world," Chef Yusuf proudly said.

Chef Yusuf's audacious goal is simple, yet exhausting: to break the current world record for the longest home kitchen cooking marathon, a feat of both culinary skill and sheer human endurance.

As he steps out of the kitchen, after clocking a staggering 90+ hours, Yusuf now hopes that the official title which slipped his mentor, will eventually come home - and vindicate a snatched victory.