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Bihari Chai Seller in Los Angeles Goes Viral for $8.68 Tea and $16.80 Poha

Instagram clips highlighting his Hindi-speaking, Bihari identity propelled the street stall into mainstream coverage.

Overview

  • Videos posted in early January on the seller’s account @chaiguy_la show him serving chai and poha, interacting with customers, and frequently selling out.
  • Reported prices highlighted in coverage are about ₹782 (~$8.68) for a cup of tea and ₹1,512 (~$16.80) for a plate of poha.
  • A repost by the Instagram page @indiaego helped widen the reach, with outlets including Times Now, Free Press Journal, and The Tribune amplifying the story.
  • Comments online range from jokes about the cost to praise for his work ethic and cultural pride, including the quip that five plates and five cups equal a monthly salary.
  • Media have linked his viral moment to a recent trend of diaspora street-food vendors gaining attention, referencing the earlier ‘Bihari samosa man’ in London.