Behind the colourful Instagram reels of steaming cups of “Desi Masala Chai” in Los Angeles is a story that is far more complex than viral fame or quick money. Prabhakar Prasad, popularly known online as “Chaiguy”, has become a familiar face on social media, but his journey from a corporate job to selling chai in one of the world’s most expensive cities has been shaped by uncertainty, tough choices and a search for personal freedom.
Originally from Barh, a small town near Patna in Bihar, Prabhakar spoke to Aaj Tak about what life really looks like behind the camera. Contrary to the perception of overnight success, his daily grind involves high costs, limited working days and constant financial pressure.
From corporate layoffs to a risky new start
In February 2025, Prabhakar was among those affected by corporate layoffs in the US. While the job loss threatened his American dream, he says his first emotion was not panic but relief.
“When you have a high-paying job, you are trapped in a cycle. You can’t do what your heart desires,”
he said, explaining why he chose not to immediately look for another desk job. With a love for cooking and hospitality, he decided to start something of his own that needed more passion than capital.
Selling chai and poha at farmers’ markets seemed like a modest but meaningful beginning. However, the numbers often highlighted online don’t tell the full story. Though chai is priced at $8 and poha at $16, Prabhakar’s income fluctuates sharply.
The real cost of selling chai in LA
Living in Los Angeles comes with heavy expenses. Prabhakar pays around $3,000 a month in rent, apart from car-related costs like insurance and maintenance. He can only set up his stall 7–8 days a month at weekly farmers’ markets in areas such as Topanga and Malibu, and each appearance involves paying a stall fee.
“People see the $400 revenue in a reel and think they know my monthly income, but they don’t witness the struggle of the other 22 days of the month,” he said.
To stand out in LA’s competitive food scene, Prabhakar worked with an Ayurvedic expert from Kerala to develop a special organic spice blend. Using pure milk and authentic spices, he aimed to offer a genuine Indian taste that appealed to both locals and the Indian diaspora.
His viral moment came after months of struggle, when he posted a reel selling chai in a traditional Bihari style — a move he openly calls a “publicity stunt”. While the “Chaiguy” persona clicked online, he says social media brings no direct income and is mainly a marketing tool.
Reflecting on his choices, Prabhakar sums up his journey simply, “Back then, I had more money but less freedom and even less happiness. Today, I have very little money, but my freedom and happiness are at their peak. I am the master of my own will; I am no longer a corporate slave,” as quoted by AajTak.