‘Jesus Christ of Los Angeles’: Why a Bihari man selling Rs 780 tea and Rs 1,512 poha is trending

Tea and poha rarely make headlines. They are everyday food items for millions of Indians and are usually linked to comfort and routine. But a few short videos from the streets of Los Angeles have changed that. Social media users are now talking about Indian breakfast for a very unexpected reason, and the conversation is growing with every share.

At the centre of this viral trend is a man from Bihar whose simple food stall has turned into online buzz. His story is being discussed not just for what he sells, but also for how Indian food is being seen in a global setting.

Who is the man behind the viral videos

The person gaining attention is Prabhakar Prasad, a Bihar-born vendor living in the United States. He introduces himself as a “Bihari Chaiwala” and sells Indian-style tea and poha on the streets of Los Angeles. His menu is simple and familiar to Indian audiences.

What has caught people’s attention are the prices. A cup of tea is sold for Rs 782, which is around $8.65. A serving of poha costs Rs 1,512, roughly $16.80. These prices have surprised many viewers online and have become a major talking point.

How social media took notice

Prasad regularly shares videos of his daily work on his Instagram account @chaiguy_la. His content shows him talking about his routine, engaging with people around him, and serving food. Viewers have shown interest in how his tea and poha are being received by people in that area.

As the videos spread, engagement increased. He currently has over 5,000 followers, and his posts have received thousands of likes, comments, and shares across social media platforms.

His look became part of the conversation

Apart from his food and pricing, Prasad’s appearance has also drawn attention. According to a report by India(dot)com, with long hair and a noticeable moustache, social media users started referring to him as “the Jesus Christ of Los Angeles”. The name quickly caught on and became part of how people identify him online.

This visual identity has made his videos easy to recognise and widely shared.

Staying close to his roots

Even though he lives far from Bihar, Prasad stays connected to where he comes from. He speaks Hindi comfortably and proudly talks about his Bihari roots. The way he talks and behaves reminds many people of home, which is why viewers find him relatable.

Prabhakar Prasad is becoming popular for sharing simple yet tasty Indian food online. Items like tea and poha have helped him reach people in India and even in Los Angeles. His videos are now shared widely, showing how simple food can bring people together.
Disclaimer: The details in this story are based on social media reports. The authenticity of the claims has not been independently verified by The Times of India.
Thumb image: Instagram