Cheffe Leen Excellent, a Haitian chef based in France, has concluded an extraordinary culinary marathon, finishing on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, after nine days of nearly nonstop cooking. Her effort was aimed at breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest uninterrupted cooking session.
Key Facts
- Duration: Cheffe Leen cooked for a total of 192 hours, with 187 hours of actual cooking time after regulatory breaks were deducted.
- Previous Record: The prior official record was 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds, set by Irish chef Alan Fisher in 2023. Cheffe Leen’s feat surpasses both this and a recent 140-hour attempt by Liberian chef Evette Quoibia in March 2025.
- Location: The marathon took place at Anba le Pont in Saint-Denis, France.
- Dishes Prepared: She showcased Haitian cuisine, preparing dishes such as griot, diri kole, and soupe joumou, turning the event into a celebration of Haitian culture and gastronomy.
- Community Impact: The event attracted global attention, with millions tuning in via TikTok (@Leenexcellent) and supporters gathering in person, waving Haitian flags and celebrating her achievement.
- Official Recognition: While the Ministry of Youth and the Haitian community have already lauded her accomplishment as a world record, the official Guinness World Records validation is pending and may take several weeks to confirm.
The Record-Breaking Attempt
Cheffe Leen began her marathon on Monday, April 7, 2025. Throughout the challenge, she adhered to Guinness guidelines, which allow a five-minute break per hour, banked for occasional rest1. The feat was physically and emotionally demanding, but her determination and the support from the Haitian diaspora and local community propelled her to the finish line.
Cultural Significance
Cheffe Leen’s marathon was more than a personal achievement; it became a symbol of Haitian pride, resilience, and cultural unity. Her commitment to highlighting Haitian gastronomy resonated worldwide, inspiring both Haitians and food enthusiasts across the globe.
What’s Next?
All evidence and documentation of the marathon will be submitted to Guinness World Records for official review. Regardless of the outcome, Cheffe Leen Excellent’s accomplishment is already celebrated as a historic milestone in culinary endurance and Haitian cultural history.
“Leen Excellent has already made history in the hearts of her people.”
Summary Table: Cheffe Leen Excellent’s Culinary Marathon
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cooking Time | 192 hours (187 hours after breaks) |
| Previous Record | 119h 57m 16s (Alan Fisher, 2023) |
| Location | Saint-Denis, France |
| Cuisine | Haitian (griot, diri kole, soupe joumou) |
| Community Impact | Global support, cultural celebration |
| Guinness Status | Pending official validation |
Cheffe Leen’s achievement stands as a testament to endurance, cultural pride, and the global appeal of Haitian cuisine.