Haitian chef Danaisa “Leen Excellent” Orchestre has captured global attention after completing an extraordinary 192-hour nonstop cooking marathon.
The culinary showcase not only aimed to secure a Guinness World Records title but also spotlighted the richness and diversity of Haitian cuisine on the world stage.
According to haitiantimes.com, her achievement—outclassing all her predecessors in the competition’s history—has not only captured international attention but ignited a wave of unity, pride, and cultural celebration among Haitians across the globe.
Originally from Guinaudée in Jean-Rabel, a commune in Haiti’s Northwest Department, Orchestre—known online as Leen Excellent or Chef Leen—has become a symbol of Haitian resilience and national pride. Her historic attempt, which began on April 7, pushed beyond the previous records of 140 hours 11 minutes and 11 seconds held by Australian Evette Quoibia and 119 hours and 57 minutes, held by Irish chef Alan Fisher. She continued even after passing that mark, cooking for a total of eight days.
“Even if Guinness doesn’t issue us the certificate, we consider ourselves champions because we achieved our goal and broke a record,” Maxon Gustave, a Chef Leen’s team member, said on Guy Wewe Radio’s show. It can take up to 12 weeks for Guinness to review footage and officially recognize a new record holder.
“Even if Guinness doesn’t issue us the certificate, we consider ourselves champions because we achieved our goal and broke a record.” Maxon Gustave, member of Leen’s team
Born to Ermilia Octidor and Moncher Orchestre, Danaisa was raised in a tight-knit, modest community in rural Haiti’s northwest. Her discipline and brilliance earned her the nickname “Leen Excellent” as a child, a name that would later define her professional identity, many of her entourage confide.
She left Guinaudée for Port-au-Prince to pursue her education and eventually moved to France to refine her culinary skills. Chef Leen trained in French gastronomy, specializing in both traditional and modern techniques, all while keeping Haitian cuisine at the core of her mission.
“I, Chef Leen, am taking action—and you? Another Haiti is possible! We will keep moving forward,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
An extraordinary feat under Guinness rules
The Guinness World Records challenge required participants to adhere to strict guidelines: for every continuous hour of cooking, only five minutes of rest were permitted. All meals had to be distributed or consumed, with meticulous documentation and time tracking.
“I, Chef Leen, am taking action—and you? Another Haiti is possible! We will keep moving forward!”
Danaisa “Leen Excellent” Orchestre.
During the marathon, Leen prepared a wide range of traditional Haitian dishes, including Soup Joumou, Tchaka, Diri Kole, Mayi Moulen, Akasan and Legim. Each meal served as both nourishment and cultural testimony, celebrating Haiti’s culinary legacy. She excelled in shattering previous records and showcasing extraordinary endurance and passion.
Her accomplishment surpassed Quoibia’s 2024 record, Fisher’s 2023 and the 93-hour mark set by Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey Baci the same year. It also beat the December 2024 attempt by Ivorian chef Zeinab Bancé, who had cooked for 131 hours and 30 minutes.
Leen’s achievement is especially significant given how underrepresented Haitian cuisine remains on the international stage. By enduring eight days of nonstop cooking, she didn’t just break records—she introduced the world to the depth, richness and artistry of Haitian culinary traditions.
According to her social media accounts, Chef Leen is also a food entrepreneur and instructor, offering cooking workshops in France and Haiti that focus on traditional recipes passed down through generations.
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) lauded her record attempt, calling it “a tribute to Haitian gastronomy and a celebration of courage and cultural excellence.”
Chef Leen’s prowess was fueled by the diaspora, community, culture and connection.
An outpouring of support from the Haitian diaspora powered her journey. Her TikTok live streams drew millions of likes, and her account surpassed 790,000 followers. Donations came in from around the world, including $500 from influencer Kenley Jérôme, known as Uncle Kendji, helping her raise over €26,000 or about $29,600 in just eight days.
“Haiti is sending great positive energy for this beautiful work. Let’s stay united and closer to one another. What we do for our country is priceless. Haitians must rise for Haiti, and yes, we can. Let’s liberate Haiti.”
Haitian TikToker Caro Vieux
The support extended well beyond monetary contributions. On social media, Haitians shared emotional tributes, calling Leen a “ray of light” and a “new face of hope for Haiti.” TikToker Caro Vieux posted:
“Let’s stay united and closer to one another. What we do for our country is priceless. Haitians must rise for Haiti.”
Another supporter, Jude Chery, added: “Beyond the chaos and anarchy reigning in our country, you embody a ray of light that carries Haiti’s voice internationally.”
Cultural legacy beyond the record
Whether Guinness World Records officially validates the achievement or not, the significance of what Chef Leen has done transcends trophies. Her story is one of identity, perseverance and hope.
She represents a generation of Haitians striving to be creators of change and custodians of culture, even in the face of adversity. Through her cooking, Chef Leen has not only preserved traditions but also inspired a renewed appreciation for Haitian gastronomy as a vehicle for unity and development.
Now, the cooking marathon record is broken. What’s next for Chef Leen?
As of this writing, Guinness World Records is in the process of reviewing documentation from her challenge. In the meantime, Leen has expressed interest in creating a culinary training center in Haiti to empower young chefs and preserve local foodways. She also plans to publish a cookbook featuring the dishes she prepared during her marathon.
Her success adds to a growing movement of Haitian chefs and food advocates working to elevate Caribbean cuisine internationally while rooting their practice in sustainability, cultural storytelling, and pride.
Chef Leen’s record may still be pending, but her legacy is already secured.
Hinting at her pursuit of a bigger dream, she posted on her social media account: “187 hours of non-stop cooking, we did it together! The challenge is over, but it’s all a dream that has just begun. Together, we are strong.”
