American fried rice in Thailand is commonly flavored with ketchup.
Ketchup gives khao phat amerikan its recognizable sweet-tangy flavor and reddish color. The fried rice is typically paired with ingredients presented as “American,” such as fried chicken, ham, sausages, raisins, and a sunny-side-up egg. Pineapple or croutons may also appear, depending on the cook.
Despite its name, American fried rice is a Thai dish rather than a standard American specialty. One popular origin story credits Sureepan Maneewat, who reportedly created it around 1950 at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport after an airline canceled a flight and left prepared American-breakfast foods unused. Other accounts connect it to Thai-Chinese cooks serving U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War era, so its exact origin remains debated. It should also not be confused with Malaysia’s nasi goreng USA.