If you want to know just how much of an impact Anthony Bourdain's life made to international food culture, just look at the number of chefs who, following his death, have been compelled to share their personal connection to his writing and television programs.

Bangkok has been no exception. The news of his death reverberated around the local food community, with many local chefs and restaurant owners posting their respects to a celebrity chef and TV presenter who was in it for far more than the fame, the money, or even the love of food. 

Bourdain's culinary explorations often took an unexpectedly politicized turn—highlighting issues too often ignored or polarized by news channels. In celebration of the trademark conviction and honesty he used to bring the global community closer together, here's a selection of ways Bourdain made an impact on Bangkok chefs and restaurant owners.

Chandler Schultz, head chef at Le Cochon Blanc, attributes his adventurous career path to the celebrity chef: “I don't think I'd be here, half way around the world from my home, without Bourdain.”

 

I first read Kitchen Confidential when I was about 13. I was already enamored with food but it was when I finished this book that I knew I would be a chef. Anthony Bourdain was an inspiration, a real cook who put in his time and then made it onto the world stage. Not necessarily for his plates but for his ability to connect us to food. To connect your average eater to the experience of a chef, an average audience to far flung destinations and exotic delicacies. He had an incredible charisma and way with words. I don't think I'd be here, half way around the world from my home, without Bourdain. Thanks, Tony. #rip

A post shared by chandler (@aka_chauncey) on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:10am PDT

Gaggan Anand, of Gaggan—four-time winner of Asia’s Best Restaurant—also reflects on the life-changing effects of Bourdain’s work: “My wish to cook for you dies with you…Thanks for changing my life indirectly”.

 

@anthonybourdain RIP My wish to cook for you dies with you ... always inspired by you and ur madness In 2007 I saw a video by him on Elbulli that changed my life I start to fantasize how food changed from then .. I had never heard of elbulli until then, Thanks for changing my life indirectly #anthonybourdain #gaggan #partsunknown #noreservations

A post shared by Gaggan (@gaggan_anand) on Jun 8, 2018 at 4:40am PDT

“Goodbye Anthony Bourdain. You are one inspiring man. F&B world is what it is today, surely because you are a big part of it,” says Choti Leenutaphong, the owner of an impressive array of F&B ventures of his own, including Via Maris, Vesper, La Dotta and Il Fumo.

Andrew Martin, head chef at Issaya Siamese Club, celebrates Bourdain’s astute observations on the allure of Southeast Asia, quoting: “Southeast Asia has a real grip on me. From the very first time I went there, it was a fulfilment of my childhood fantasies of the way travel should be".

Thitid Tassanakajohn—head chef and owner of Le Du—notes the acknowledgement and respect that Bourdain brought to the culinary world: “He made people look at or even give a shit about our profession. And for that we all should pay respect and may he rest in peace.”

 

He was not 3 michelin starred chef, his restaurant was not on any list. But he did so much for our culinary world. He made people look at or even give a shit about our profession. And for that we all should pay respect and may he rest in peace. #rip #anthonybourdain #culinaryhero

A post shared by ThiTid Tassanakajohn (@cheftonn) on Jun 8, 2018 at 7:25am PDT

Jarrett Wrisley, of Appia, Peppina and Soul Food, thanks Bourdain for changing his world: “You changed my world. Thank you for that. Our hearts are broken, but our lives are brighter because of you.”

 

Goodnight, Tony. You’ll be missed more than you could ever possibly fathom; by cooks and writers and explorers and just about everyone else. You changed my world. Thank you for that. Our hearts are broken, but our lives are brighter because of you.

A post shared by Jarrett Wrisley (@wrisjarrett) on Jun 8, 2018 at 5:27am PDT

Nino Scognamillo, head chef at La Casa Nostra, celebrates Bourdain’s curiosity and inquisitiveness by sharing this quote: “Certainty is my enemy. You know, I’m all about doubt, questioning oneself and the nature of reality. Constantly.”

 

A post shared by Nino Scognamillo (@dontforgetthesmile85) on Jun 8, 2018 at 10:20am PDT

Luca Appino—owner of La Bottega di Luca—puts it simply: “Cook Free or Die”.

Sid Sehgal, owner of Indus, notes Bourdain’s ability to get to the heart of a story: ‘“Parts Unknown” where you taught the world to "eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice ... they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get."’

 

Thank you @anthonybourdain for your inspiration, beginning with your book “Kitchen Confidential” back in 2000, which told the world about the struggles of working your way up in hostile kitchens as a young chef. Followed by years of amazing episodes of “No reservations” that took viewers all around the world on and endless culinary vacation. And then on to “Parts Unknown” where you taught the world to "eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice ... they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get." #ripanthonybordain #anthonybordain

A post shared by Sid Sehgal (@sehgalsid) on Jun 8, 2018 at 10:58pm PDT