The air buzzed with the steady tap-tap-tap of wooden mallets as participants pounded roasted squid under expert guidance. “It’s the first time I’ve learned it’s not about the grilling, but the hammering!” laughed an amazed attendee. Master artisans revealed the secret: relentless pounding unlocks the squid’s aroma, transforms its texture, and creates that irresistible chewiness—a technique passed down for generations.

This isn’t just a snack; it’s Xiamen’s intangible cultural heritage in action. The city now invites locals and visitors to workshops where small, fresh squids morph into delicate, paper-thin strips through hours of meticulous craft. The rhythmic process offers a rare pause from modern rush—a chance to savor the quiet joy of a fading art. As one participant sighed, “You taste the history in every bite.”