Correct! The answer is (3).
Start off with a sip of the soup, then the order you dig in does not matter.
But do remember! Don't keep on eating the same dish until it's done and then moving on to a new one to do the same.
Yes, the key is to eat in rotating circles: soup-rice-side dish1- side dish2-soup...and so on.
Try to leave about the same portions left in each dish when you complete one rotation.
Keep on going and you'll finish all the dishes at the same time.
But don't be too sensitive about it. Relax and enjoy the flavors to the fullest!
[Question 3:
While eating]
Again, you are in front of an orthodox Japanese meal. Facing you to the left there is the rice bowl, and to the right of it the miso soup. The 3 side dishes are placed farthest with the biggest plate in the middle and the two smaller ones on the sides.
From question 2, you have figured out the proper order to eat them, but the question is exactly how?
The chopstick is in your hand, but how are you supposed to work with the dishes?
The answer choices are...
1) You can't remove any dishes except the soup bowl from the table.2) All the dishes could be removed from the table and be held just below the chin.
3) You may pick up small plates and bowls including the one's for rice and soup but can not remove flat plates or big bowls off the table.
4) None of the above.