Serial muncher terrorises Kerala

Mr PK Rappai of Trichur is a one-man food demolition machine who has most eating establishments in the southern Indian state …

Mr PK Rappai of Trichur is a one-man food demolition machine who has most eating establishments in the southern Indian state of Kerala terrified of him, writes Rahul Bedi from New Delhi.A restaurant chain in the state has put "Beware of Rappai" posters with his picture at all their branches in the capital, Trivandrum. "Theetta" or Big Eater Rappai, as he is locally known, sustains his 260lb frame by daily breakfasting on around 100 rice cakes and three litres of tea at 7 a.m., followed four hours later by his first lunch and a second one at 2 p.m.

At his midday meals, Rappai eats enough boiled rice and spiced lentils for 20 people. And for high tea he has huge quantities of fried semolina topped by 40 parathas for dinner at 7 p.m.

The incident which led to Rappai's wanted status across Kerala came about after an eat-as-much-as-you-want restaurant short-changed some students.

The students brought Rappai there, bought him a full-meal ticket and sat down to watch. When Rappai demanded more after having eaten his way through four huge basins of rice, lentils and vegetables, and having cleaned out the kitchens, a fight ensued.

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The police ruled in Rappai's favour and the restaurant had to begin cooking afresh. The following day the posters started to appear.

Rappai has become a celebrity in Kerala, written about in southern newspapers and magazines. He is also a tourist attraction and visitors pay to see him eat.

Rappai recently earned 20,000 rupees (£388) for eating 250 rice cakes, 150 parathas and 15 litres of beetroot curry. "Not only did I get 20,000 rupees," he said, "but made sure that Kerala's flag flies high."