A Bihari vendor from Los Angeles had the readers in suspense, and with real-life flair, selling traditional Indian snacks like chai and poha at an outdoor market stall. In a turban and checkered shirt, the vendor leans forward behind a table prominently adorned with Indian images. His stall provides a taste of home for Indian immigrants as well as curious locals but what really caught the eye were price points. A cup of chai is sold for ₹782, and poha goes for ₹1512 driving both amusement and adulation online.
This little stall is more than a food counter, it’s a symbol for cultural pride and entrepreneurship. The vendor’s arrangement includes disposable cups, a serving tray and a chalkboard sign containing items, along with their prices, to list them. While these prices may look steep by Indian standards, they reflect the value of authenticity and nostalgia in a foreign land. To many Indians living abroad for some time, a cup of chai brewed with the right spices and warmth is worth every penny.
A Bihari vendor in Los Angeles charges Rs 782 for tea and Rs 1512 for Poha.
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) January 12, 2026
His tea and poha are in high demand.pic.twitter.com/hChY3NzU3l
The fact that this vendor trades in Los Angeles shows that Indian street food is already finding its way in overseas markets. Chai and poha used to be humble snacks from roadside stalls in Bihar and other parts of India, and now they are served in one of the most cosmopolitan cities globally. That represents a surge in Indian culinary popularity and demand for local flavors beyond butter chicken and naan.
People at the stall seem curious and interested. Others are likely Indian immigrants who miss the taste of home, and some may be Americans or tourists seeking new flavors. The vendor’s self-assuredness and delivery indicate to me that he understands the importance of what he’s vending not just food, but culture. The video subtitle reads: “So today’s report is here. Also look at chai,” the stall’s pride and excitement.
The high prices also ignite a debate around pricing and how international markets consider ethnic food. While ₹782 for chai may sound shocking in India, it’s about $9 in the U.S. a fee that’s common for specialty drinks at urban cafes. Poha at ₹1512 or so ($18), for instance, might also be viewed as a gourmet dish with care and authenticity. These are prices that reflect not only the cost of ingredients, but also the attempt to bring a piece of Bihar to Los Angeles.
Indian migrants who take their identity and make them adapt and come to another country also make a lot of these stories of theirs. The Bihari vendor is not just hawking food he’s selling a piece of himself. In a town like Los Angeles, where diversity is held in veneration, these stalls are bridges. They let people try their hand at something that is as simple -- the drinking-out of a cup of chai (but quite another kettle of chai, which they will eventually be able to drink).
A combination of surprise and support has greeted social media users. Some people joked about the prices, while others praised the vendor’s hustle and creativity. The image of a Bihari man selling poha in LA is an unexpected, inspiring image. It is a testament to how far Indian culture has come and still goes and what can be learnt from it in new places.
Finally, the Bihari vendor’s booth in Los Angeles is as much about a place of food counters as it is the story of cultural migration, as well as entrepreneurial spirit. By selling chai and poha at a premium, he's not just getting paid -- he's making a statement. Indian street food has a global appeal today, and by serving it authentically and proudly, can come off as a powerful sign of identity. In this small tent we can see that tradition can exist anywhere, even on Los Angeles' streets.
