From IIT Graduate to LA's 'Bihari Chaiwala': Engineer's Unlikely Career Pivot
When Prabhakar Prasad earned his engineering degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, a conventional career in the global technology sector appeared to be his destined path. Like countless IIT alumni before him, Prasad relocated abroad and secured employment within the competitive US tech industry. However, after losing his position during the widespread layoffs that swept through technology corporations in 2025, Prasad embarked on a remarkably unexpected journey. Rather than pursuing another corporate role, he initiated a venture selling authentic masala chai and traditional poha at various farmers' markets across Los Angeles. This entrepreneurial endeavor has since captured significant online attention, transforming the laid-off engineer into what many patrons now affectionately call the 'Bihari Chaiwala of LA.'
From Prestigious Campus to California Markets
Prasad hails originally from Bihar, India, and completed his rigorous engineering education at IIT Kharagpur, one of the nation's most elite and competitive institutions. Graduates from the IIT system are highly coveted by multinational technology firms, with a substantial number pursuing lucrative careers in software engineering and related technical fields overseas. After immigrating to the United States, Prasad established himself within the tech sector before facing an unexpected layoff in February 2025. This job loss occurred as part of a broader wave of workforce reductions impacting numerous companies throughout the technology industry.
Instead of immediately seeking another position within the tech world, Prasad decided to explore a completely different concept. Drawing inspiration from the familiar and comforting flavors of his homeland, he began preparing and selling Indian-style masala chai alongside poha, a popular flattened rice breakfast dish commonly enjoyed across India. This pivot represented not merely a career change but a cultural bridge connecting his heritage with his new environment.
The 'Bihari Chaiwala' Phenomenon in Los Angeles
Prasad currently operates a modest yet vibrant stall at several farmers' markets throughout Los Angeles, where he serves freshly brewed, aromatic chai to curious customers eager to experience authentic Indian street-style beverages. His stall has garnered considerable attention through online platforms and media coverage, frequently described using the moniker 'Bihari Chaiwala of LA.' This title poignantly reflects both his regional roots in Bihar and the iconic roadside tea vendors ubiquitous across urban and rural India.
Reports indicate that Prasad sells his specially crafted masala chai for approximately $8 per cup, while dishes like poha are priced separately based on portion size. Although these figures may seem elevated by Indian standards, they align with the typical pricing for artisanal drinks and gourmet food items sold at upscale farmers' markets in California. The venture demonstrates how traditional Indian culinary items can find a niche market in diverse international settings.
Cultivating a Digital Community and Brand
The narrative of an IIT graduate selling chai in Los Angeles rapidly captivated social media audiences, spreading across various platforms. Prasad meticulously documents his entrepreneurial journey through engaging videos and posts on Instagram and other social channels. He shares compelling clips showcasing the chai preparation process, interactions with customers, and reflective discussions about his transition from corporate tech worker to independent small business owner.
Numerous viewers have commended his move as a powerful example of resilience, adaptability, and innovative thinking, particularly during an era when layoffs have disrupted the careers of tens of thousands of technology professionals worldwide. His story resonates deeply with many who face similar professional uncertainties.
Contextualizing Within Broader Tech Industry Shifts
Prasad's personal story unfolds against the backdrop of substantial job cuts reverberating across the global technology sector. According to industry tracking resources like Layoffs.fyi, hundreds of thousands of employees have been affected by layoffs at major tech companies since 2024. Organizations have been streamlining their workforces in response to evolving market dynamics and the accelerated integration of artificial intelligence tools.
These structural transformations have compelled numerous professionals to reconsider their career trajectories, with many exploring alternatives such as entrepreneurship, freelance work, or entirely new industries. Prasad's journey exemplifies this broader trend of career reinvention in the face of economic disruption.
Discovering Purpose Beyond the Corporate Sphere
For Prasad, the shift into the food business signifies much more than a temporary stopgap following a layoff. In various interviews and online communications, he has expressed that managing his own venture provides a profound sense of independence, creative autonomy, and personal fulfillment that he sometimes found lacking within the structured corporate environment.
While serving steaming cups of chai to customers at local markets is undoubtedly a stark contrast to writing code in a tech office, the enterprise has evolved into a distinctive personal brand. This brand uniquely merges immigrant entrepreneurship with the nostalgic and authentic flavors of India, creating a meaningful connection with a diverse clientele.
For many observers and followers, Prasad's story powerfully illustrates how professional setbacks can occasionally unveil unforeseen and rewarding new pathways. Sometimes, that unexpected journey begins with nothing more than a simple, heartfelt cup of tea, shared with the world.
