This part of Japan is often overlooked by foodies, but ironically it’s hard to see over these towering desserts.

When talking about the great gourmet destinations in Japan, Tokyo often dominates the discussion, what with its huge variety of fantastic restaurants, many with Michelin stars, and world-famous Tsukiji fish market. Kyoto and Osaka are also often part of the conversation, as are regional culinary hot spots like Hiroshima, Sendai, or Sapporo.

You’ll rarely hear anyone mention Gunma, though, as it’s one of the few prefectures in Japan without a characteristic ingredient or representative recipe. But according to those in the know, there’s one restaurant in Gunma that shouldn’t be missed, especially if you have a sweet tooth…and also several friends with similarly strong cravings for dessert.

Kitchen Macaroni, located in Gunma’s Kiryu City, serves a mix of Western and Japanese dishes, such as pastas, hamburger steaks, stir-fried ginger pork, and rice omelets. The star of the menu, though, is the honey toast.

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Largely popularized by the Pasela chain of karaoke parlors, honey toast is one of Japan’s most decadent desserts. While honey toast does always include a loaf of toasted bread drizzled with honey, its simple name belies the fact that it’s usually topped with ice cream, fruit, and flavored sauces, all of which melt their way into the toast and give birth to a crunchy, flavorful treat. But while most restaurants put just a few scoops of ice cream on top, Kitchen Macaroni builds a tower of ice cream so high it’s practically an affront to God, except that He Himself probably gazes down on Macaroni Kitchen and says “Whoa, I totally need to try that!”

▼ Let there be honey toast!

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From base to peak, Kitchen Macaroni’s honey toast has been measured at up to 43 centimeters (16.9 inches) tall.

The massive “regular” size seen here starts at 800 yen (US$7.20) and goes up to 900 yen, depending on whether you want to add chocolate sauce, melted caramel, or fruit. Half-sizes are also on offer, ranging from 650 to 750 yen.

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Given their size, these desserts are obviously meant for sharing. Four people seems to be the minimum recommended team-size, and even then it’s reportedly a challenge to finish the whole thing.

Still, we always recommend seizing the opportunity to eat gigantic desserts with good friends, and this one looks like an unforgettable experience, as long as you’re OK with the conversation on the train ride home consisting of everyone in your party sighing in satisfaction and saying “I’m soooooo full.”

Restaurant information
Kitchen Macaroni / キッチン・マカロニ
Address: Gunma-ken, Kiryu-shi, Nishiki-cho 2-14-30
群馬県桐生市錦町2-14-30
Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 6 p.m.-midnight (Monday-Thursday), 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 6 p.m.-2 a.m. (Friday-Saturday)
Closed Sundays
Website (Tabelog)

Source: Jin