Indian American 'Top Chef' dies from the coronavirus

INSTAGRAM / DAVID CHANG

On Instagram, David Chang shared this photo with Floyd Cardoz.

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Celebrity chef Floyd Cardoz, credited with revolutionizing Indian American cuisine, died Wednesday (March 25) of coronavirus.

"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing away of Chef Floyd Cardoz," according to a statement from Hunger Inc. Hospitality, where Cardoz was the culinary director.

Earlier in March, he was in India taping an episode of Netflix's Ugly Delicious with host David Chang and actor Aziz Ansari. On Mar. 17, however, on his Instagram account Cardoz sahared that he had returned to the US on March 8 for medical treatment, writing that he was "feeling feverish."

Cardoz returned from Mumbai via Germany to New Jersey with a fever. He admitted himself to the hospital thinking he had a flu.

The 59-year old gained fame while competing on Top Chef and going on to winning Top Chef Masters, according to CNBC.

SF Gate reports that Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi paid tribute to Cardoz on Instagram.

“I am beyond saddened to wake up today and hear the news of my dear friend @floydcardoz’s passing. Floyd made us all so proud,” she wrote on Instagram. “Nobody who lived in NY in the early aughts could forget how delicious and packed Tabla always was. He had an impish smile, an innate need to make those around him happy, and a delicious touch. This is a huge loss, not only for the professional food world, but for Indians everywhere. My heart goes out to his wife Barkha and their whole family.”

On Twitter she added:

Chang posted about Cardoz's death on Instagram: "Heartbroken over the loss of Floyd Cardoz to COVID-19. Rest in peace Floyd...we will carry on your beautiful legacy." Chang also tweeted:

CNBC reports Cardoz is credited with making the food industry more sustainable. He was a partner in Bombay Sweet Shop, O Pedro and The Bombay Canteen in India when he died. He also opened Tabla in New York City in 1997 with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. Tabla closed in 2010.

“The perception that Indian food is always heavy, over-spiced, greasy or that it will give you an upset stomach … restaurants just don’t cook like Indians cook at home.” Cardoz told Greaves Tours, an Indian travel company.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to honor Cardoz. The money will be donated to the chef’s favorite charities.