Dare to take on the challenge? Finish a 10-person portion of curry rice within an hour and win a NT$2,000 cash prize.

▲ The 10-person portion of curry rice weighs a whopping 4.8 kilograms—quite the impressive serving. (Photo provided by Gong Fu La Li; all photos below are from the same source)

Reported by Huang Sheng-min

In Japanese cartoons, it’s common for protagonists to dine at a certain place and get their meal for free if they finish an oversized portion within a time limit—but this actually happens in real life in Tainan. If you can finish a 10-person portion of curry rice within an hour, not only do you eat for free, but you also get a NT$2,000 bonus, attracting many big eaters to challenge their appetite limits.

▲ If you can complete the challenge within the time limit, you’ll win NT$2,000. Cross-dressing participants are welcome, making it a fun experience. Those who fail must pay the NT$650 cost of the 10-person curry rice portion.

Located on YUNong Road in Tainan City, “Gong Fu La Li” recently went viral on Facebook. If you can finish the restaurant’s 10-person portion of curry rice within 55 minutes (65 minutes for women), you’ll receive a cash prize. Ever since the post went up, foodies from all over have come to take on the challenge. As of January 22, 2016,a total of 107 people had tried, but only 2 succeeded,which shows just how tough it is. Andif you don’t finish, you’ll need to pay the NT$650 cost of the 10-person curry rice portion.

▲ Gong Fu La Li owner La Li warmly welcomes everyone to try the “Hellish Rice Munching” challenge, but still emphasizes that having fun while eating is the most important part. (Photo captured fromGong Fu La Li’s official Facebook page; all following photos are from the same source)

Just how heavy is a 10-person portion of curry rice? It weighs4.8 kilograms,almost 5 kilos of curry rice that you have to shovel into your mouth within an hour—it sounds astonishing just hearing about it. Owner La Li mentioned that he came up with the idea on a whim, hoping to add some fun to the dining experience and make the meal both delicious and entertaining. Last June, the time limit was initially set at 40 minutes, but no one could finish, so it was extended to 55 minutes, after which some finally succeeded.

▲ Diners flock to Gong Fu La Li to witness the jaw-dropping portion of 10-person curry rice.

La Li also shares some tips for finishing the challenge: don’t rush, don’t focus solely on speed, and eat at your own pace. He noted that someone once finished half the portion in just 15 minutes but then ran out of steam and couldn’t complete the challenge. So, the key is finding the right balance between your pace and the ticking clock—but no matter the outcome, La Li hopes everyone enjoys the meal.

▲ The current record holder for the fastest completion: 49 minutes and 30 seconds.

The fastest time to finish the challenge so far is 49 minutes and 30 seconds. If you’re confident in your stomach capacity, head over to Gong Fu La Li and test your limits by trying to beat the restaurant’s fastest record and win the cash prize.

Gong Fu La Li
Business Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM–2:00 PM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM.
Address: No. 85, Lane 668, Yùnóng Road, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Phone: 06–2607998
Official Facebook Page