Anthony Bourdain developed an affinity for Indian vegetarian food and was curious about recipes, says Indian chef Vikas Khanna, for whom the late American star chef was a hero. Bourdain was found dead in Paris on Friday. Recounting his memories, Khanna said: "We worked together many times. I'm so heartbroken. Anthony was my hero. I looked up to him and was privileged to have bonded with him. He hated vegetarian food. I told him until he visits India he wouldn't know the pleasures of vegetarian cuisine."

Khanna had first met Bourdain while doing a tasting menu with mangoes at his mid-town restaurant Purnima in New York. "I did not get a chance to talk to him then. The second time we met, I cooked for him at the Rubin Museum. I told him that I was researching extensively on Himalayan foods, 'Utsav' and creating Holy Kitchens documentaries. He just said one thing, 'Keep pushing the limits'.