Previously, in Japanese meals it was basic that cooked rice (the staple food) and side dishes were served separately, and a portion of rice and a portion of the side dish would be put in the mouth separately to be mixed and tasted.
旧来の日本の食事は、主食である飯とおかずが別々に配膳され、それを一口ずつ口に運び口内で調味するという様式を基本としている。