In the early morning in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, the aroma of Shaoyongfeng sesame seed cakes, a local delicacy, fills the air, mingling with the rich scent of sesame seeds and roasted wheat.

Originating in the late Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Shaoyongfeng sesame seed cakes were crafted by Shao Fanggong, who invented a unique method of baking cakes in a hanging charcoal stove to heat both the top and bottom sides of cakes.

This method produces cakes that have a golden and crispy exterior, a soft interior, and rich flavors, which quickly became a beloved treat among locals.

Sesame seed cakes are baked in a hanging charcoal stove. [Photo/WeChat account: quzhouta]

The craft of making Shaoyongfeng sesame seed cakes was later passed down to the fourth-generation inheritor, Xu Chengzheng. He has modernized the baking process with environmentally friendly methods and developed new products. Xu's dedication and innovation have propelled Shaoyongfeng from a local shop to a national and international presence.

In 2021, this traditional craft was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item, becoming a proud symbol of Quzhou.

The craft involves over 100 meticulous steps, from ingredient selection to baking. The highlight is the technique of coating baked cakes with sesame seeds, when the baker deftly shakes a circular bamboo tray and tosses up the cakes inside, coating them evenly with sesame seeds.

The fifth-generation inheritor of the Shaoyongfeng sesame seed cake making techniques Ke Zhizeng demonstrates how to coat baked cakes with sesame seeds. [Photo/WeChat account: quzhouta]