Kenyan content creator Raymond Kahuma recently attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest chapati, aiming to surpass the current record of 145 kilograms and 3 metres in diameter set in India. His ambitious project, which cost over Sh1.19 million, ultimately ended in failure, but offered a detailed look into the scale and expense involved in such an undertaking.
The plan was to create a chapati weighing 150 kilograms. Kahuma began by commissioning a custom brick stove measuring 3.5 metres in diameter, larger than the existing record to accommodate the enormous chapati. The stove was constructed in one day at a cost of Sh137,470, covering materials, labour, transport, location, and security.
A giant frying pan was fabricated next. Six large sheets of black metal were welded into a circular pan, reinforced to prevent sagging, and fitted with large handles. The process took six days and cost Sh290,470, including materials, labour, transport, and equipment.
To handle the dough, large wooden rolling pins and 20 thin wooden pieces were made to spread oil beneath the chapati and prevent sticking. Flipping the chapati required four large round wooden boards designed to clamp the chapati in the middle. The wooden tools were created over four days at a cost of Sh257,736, with materials accounting for the majority of the expense.
A weighing method was also devised, involving a large square metal frame to suspend a butcher’s scale. The rig, used to measure the net weight of the chapati, took two days to construct at Sh133,600.
The final attempt involved mixing 153 kilograms of flour with water, salt, sugar, oil, and turmeric to form dough. A team of chefs rolled the dough for over an hour on the giant pan, using a metal ring to shape it. Charcoal was used to heat the massive stove, and the pan was set in place to cook.
The attempt failed during cooking when the wooden sticks designed to spread oil could not slide under the chapati. This prevented flipping, causing the chapati to break and forcing the team to call off the record attempt.
In total, the project cost Sh1,190,937, including Sh819,276 for custom equipment, Sh233,403 for preparation, and Sh138,258 for the final attempt. While the record remains unbroken, the project demonstrated the creativity, engineering, and significant investment required to attempt a Guinness World Record in Kenya.
