From coding to brewing: IIT graduate sells tea in Los Angeles after tech layoff

When Prabhakar Prasad graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, a career in the technology industry seemed like the natural path. Like many IIT alumni, he moved abroad and worked in the US tech sector. But after losing his job during the wave of layoffs that hit technology companies in 2025, Prasad took an unexpected turn. Instead of chasing another corporate role, he began selling masala chai and poha at farmers’ markets in Los Angeles. The venture has since gained attention online, turning the laid-off engineer into what some customers call the “Bihari Chaiwala of LA.”

From IIT graduate to tea entrepreneur

Prasad is originally from Bihar, India, and completed his engineering degree at IIT Kharagpur, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. Graduates from the IIT system are widely sought after by global technology firms, and many pursue careers in software engineering or related fields abroad.
After moving to the United States, Prasad worked in the tech industry before being laid off in February 2025, part of a broader wave of job cuts affecting companies across the sector.
Instead of immediately seeking another tech job, he chose to pursue a different idea. Drawing on familiar flavours from home, he began selling Indian-style masala chai and poha, a flattened rice dish commonly eaten for breakfast in India.

The ‘Bihari Chaiwala’ at LA farmers’ markets

Prasad now operates a small stall at farmers’ markets across Los Angeles, serving freshly brewed chai to customers curious about Indian street-style beverages.
His stall has gained attention online and in media reports, where he is often described as the “Bihari Chaiwala of LA.” The name reflects both his roots and the traditional roadside tea sellers commonly seen across India.
Reports suggest he sells masala chai for around $8 a cup, while dishes like poha are priced separately depending on portion size. Although the prices appear high by Indian standards, they fall within the typical range for specialty drinks and food sold at farmers’ markets in California.

Building a following online

The story of an IIT graduate selling chai in Los Angeles quickly caught the attention of social media users.
Prasad documents his journey through videos and posts on platforms such as Instagram, where he shares clips of preparing chai, serving customers and talking about his transition from tech worker to small business owner.
Many viewers have praised the move as an example of resilience and adaptability, especially during a period when layoffs have affected thousands of technology workers worldwide.

A reflection of wider tech layoffs

Prasad’s story is unfolding against the backdrop of major job cuts across the technology sector.
According to industry trackers such as Layoffs.fyi, hundreds of thousands of employees have been affected by layoffs across global tech companies since 2024. Firms have reduced headcounts as they adjust to changing market conditions and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence tools.
These changes have forced many professionals to rethink their careers, with some turning to entrepreneurship, freelancing or completely new industries.

Finding fulfilment beyond the tech world

For Prasad, the move into the food business appears to represent more than just a temporary solution after a layoff.
In interviews and online posts, he has suggested that running his own venture offers a sense of independence and creative freedom that he did not always experience in the corporate environment.
Serving chai to customers at local markets may be a far cry from writing code in a tech office. Yet the venture has turned into a unique personal brand that blends immigrant entrepreneurship with familiar flavours from India.
For many observers, the story highlights how career setbacks can sometimes lead to unexpected new paths, even if that path begins with a cup of tea.