At a bustling farmers’ market in Los Angeles, amid sourdough bread, organic berries and cold-pressed juices, an unmistakably desi sight has been stealing the spotlight: a man in a Bihari gamchha, with long hair, pouring hot chai and serving poha and khichdi. His name is Prabhakar Prasad, and on Instagram, he’s lovingly known as the “Bihari Chaiwala” or “Chaiguy.”
Bihari Chaiwala Is Going Viral At LA Farmers’ Markets
At a local farmer’s market in LA, Prabhakar sells cutting chai for $8.65 (around ₹780) and poha for $16.80 (about ₹1,350), prices that instantly shock desi audiences online. “इतने में तो पूरे मोहल्ले को चाय पिला दें,” many joke. And yet, he sells out almost every day. Most of his customers are members of the Indian diaspora, along with curious locals who are drawn in by the aroma of masala chai and the warmth of the man serving it. For many Indians living in LA, his stall certainly offers the taste of home, served with conversation in Hindi.
What makes Prabhakar stand out isn’t just the food, but how unapologetically Bihari he is. He wears his gamchha with pride, jokes with customers, and even barters chai for vegetables and flowers, something straight out of an Indian haat bazaar. His Instagram page, @chaiguy_la, captures these everyday moments. In some videos, he’s pouring tea with calm focus; in others, he’s laughing with customers or explaining why he’s cooking khichdi in America.
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Netizens Can’t Stop Praising This Chaiguy
On the internet, people have expressed a mix of admiration, humour, and playful curiosity. Many are also happy that he is representing Bihar abroad and say things like, “Proud of you for staying true to your roots and making Bihar proud.” Others joke, “Bhaiya aapke pas job milegi kya?” when they ask if he has a job opening or if they can work with him.
Some get imaginative and say, “Aarhe hai bagal me jagah dekho, vada pav lagayenge,” while picturing their own food stands next to him. From light-hearted jokes about turning LA into Bihar to hopes of joining him with litti-chokha and vada pav stalls, Prabhakar has come to symbolise something more.
Chaiguy’s story certainly shows that branding and a million followers are not necessary for going viral. Hard work, a big heart, and a steaming cup of chai are sometimes all that’s needed.
Cover Image Courtesy: Chaiguy LA/Instagram
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