Barack Obama recalls enjoying Vietnamese food in tribute message for Anthony BourdainJune 9 (AZINS) Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain (61) known for his award-winning travel and food series Parts Unknown allegedly committed suicide in his hotel room in Paris on Friday.

Bourdain, whose career catapulted him from washing dishes at New York restaurants to dining in Vietnam with President Barack Obama, hanged himself in a hotel room near Strasbourg, France, where he had been working on an upcoming episode of his program, CNN said.

The death came as a shock to the world. Celebs, food lovers, politicians, people who admired Bourdain could not believe the news. Messages about the celebrated chef and writer poured on social media. Former US President Barack Obama was one of those who paid tribute to Bourdain.

Reminiscing about the Vietnam trip, Obama wrote, "He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We'll miss him."

Obama shared a picture of the two drinking beer in Hanoi. When Obama went to Hanoi, Vietnam in May 2016, he met Bourdain at a casual restaurant for a $6 meal of noodles and grilled pork.

Bourdain was known as a master of crafts in the kitchen. He has a number of cookbooks and television shows in his name.

He was also recognised as an advocate for marginalized populations and campaigned for safer working conditions for restaurant staffs.

In 2013, Peabody Award judges honoured Bourdain and Parts Unknown for "expanding our palates and horizons in equal measure."

Further, No Reservations earned him two Emmy awards and a dozen nominations.

His cookbooks had also been recognised by various award fraternities.

Boudain's suicide comes days after the recent suicide case of Late fashion designer Kate Spades who was found dead in her apartment on June 5.