An Ode to Lucknow Wrapped in Deliciousness

My collaboration with a local baker

A month and a half ago, I got the sweetest message from Melody Hu, the heart and soul behind Sweet Diplomacy—our beloved local bakery that’s been my haven for allergy-friendly treats. She had an idea: what if her “Diplomatic Box” series didn’t just celebrate cities, but told personal heritage stories through food and art?

Previous boxes had highlighted places like Paris, Kyoto, and Denver. But this time, she wanted something deeper—an invitation to explore the connections between artists, flavors, and culture. And she asked me: “Would you bring Lucknow to life?”

I didn’t even hesitate. Yes, yes, yes.

For someone like me—with gluten, dairy, and nut intolerances—Indian sweets have always been something I’ve had to admire from afar. To help create allergy-friendly versions of the flavors I grew up with felt like reclaiming a little piece of my story.

We went back and forth, texting late into the evenings about flavor profiles: What could travel well? What felt true to Lucknow’s essence?

She landed on

• rose coconut barfi, delicate and adorned with edible gold;

• guava muffins that taste like childhood summers;

• orange cardamom cookies with that perfect warming spice; and

• saffron rose cookies that remind me of sitting in courtyards at dusk, listening to ghazals float through the air.

But Melody didn’t stop at the food—she asked me to create original artwork for a frameable postcard tucked inside each box, with my words on the back.

She wanted it to feel like more than a treat; she wanted it to feel like a story, an experience.

The piece I created honors Lucknow’s vibrant colors, ornate details, and rich textures, with gold accents echoing the luxury of its culinary traditions. I poured so much of my heart into it.

And then, just as this edition launched, she got incredible news: Sweet Diplomacy’s Diplomatic Box was named “The Best Gluten-Free Vegan Gift Basket” in the U.S. by Forbes! I couldn’t be prouder of Melody and her team. Their commitment to inclusivity, beauty, and artistry deserves every bit of this recognition.

What’s made this collaboration even more meaningful is the friendship that’s blossomed between us. Melody once told me she sees my contribution as bringing “luminous and beautiful presence to this world.”

Her words touched me so deeply, reminding me that when we create from the heart, we connect in ways that go far beyond what’s visible.

This whole journey has been such a beautiful reminder of how food, art, and story are woven together.

Through these treats—made for anyone, no matter their dietary restrictions—I’ve found a new way to share my heritage. One delicious bite and one piece of artwork at a time.

The Lucknow Edition is shipping nationwide this month only—just in time for Mother’s Day. If you’d like to experience this blend of art and flavor, you can find it here: Sweet Diplomacy Lucknow Edition