From IIT Graduate to Tea Entrepreneur
Prabhakar Prasad, a distinguished alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, initially embarked on a conventional trajectory in the technology industry.
Following the trend of many IIT graduates, he relocated abroad, securing a position in the American tech sector. However, the employment landscape shifted dramatically in 2025, resulting in widespread layoffs across technology firms.
In the wake of his job loss, Prasad opted for an unconventional pivot: he began selling masala chai and poha at farmers’ markets in Los Angeles.
This entrepreneurial venture has garnered considerable online attention, earning him the endearing title of the “Bihari Chaiwala of LA.”
The ‘Bihari Chaiwala’ at LA Farmers’ Markets
Originating from Bihar, India, Prasad completed his engineering studies at the esteemed IIT Kharagpur, a powerhouse of innovation and talent.
Graduates from IITs are highly coveted by international tech giants, with many desiring careers in software engineering or similar domains abroad.
Yet, following his relocation to the United States and subsequent job elimination in February 2025 — part of a sweeping trend affecting countless professionals — Prasad chose a markedly different path.
Harnessing nostalgic flavors from his homeland, he started offering Indian-style masala chai and poha, a popular flattened rice dish often enjoyed for breakfast in India.
Gaining Popularity Among Market Goers
Prasad operates a quaint stall at various farmers’ markets throughout Los Angeles, where he serves freshly brewed chai to curious patrons eager to explore Indian street-style beverages. His venture has captured the interest of social media users and the media alike.
Referred to aptly as the “Bihari Chaiwala of LA,” the moniker symbolizes both his heritage and the traditional tea vendors commonly found in India.
Prasad typically prices his masala chai at approximately $8 per cup, while poha is priced variably based on portion sizes.
Although these prices may seem steep relative to Indian standards, they align with the prevailing rates for specialty foods and drinks at California farmers’ markets.
Cultivating an Online Following
The narrative of an IIT graduate transitioning to a chai vendor in Los Angeles resonated with social media users, quickly gaining traction.
Prasad chronicles his journey via engaging videos and posts on platforms like Instagram, showcasing moments of chai preparation, interactions with customers, and reflections on his transition from tech worker to small business owner.
His story has been met with commendation, viewed as a testament to resilience and adaptability amid widespread layoffs that have impacted thousands within the tech workforce globally.
A Microcosm of Larger Tech Layoffs
Prasad’s personal journey unfolds against the turbulent backdrop of significant layoffs permeating the technology sector. Industry monitoring entities, such as Layoffs. fyi, note that since 2024, hundreds of thousands of employees have felt the impact of job cuts across major tech conglomerates.
As companies recalibrate in response to fluctuating market conditions and the meteoric ascent of artificial intelligence technologies, myriad professionals are reevaluating their career trajectories, with many venturing into entrepreneurship, freelancing, or entirely novel sectors.
Finding Fulfillment Beyond Technology
For Prasad, this transition into the culinary domain signifies more than merely a stopgap measure following his layoff.
In various interviews and social media updates, he has articulated that leading his own enterprise affords him autonomy and creative latitude he found lacking in the corporate sphere.
Though serving chai to customers at local markets starkly contrasts the experience of programming within a tech firm, this endeavor has blossomed into a distinct personal brand that melds immigrant entrepreneurship with the comforting flavors of India.
Observers contend that his story epitomizes how career challenges can sometimes yield unforeseen pathways, even if that journey commences with a simple cup of tea.
Source link: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
