This traditional Thai dish is prepared with various pork cuts that are cut into bite-sized pieces before they are fried in a subtly sweet combination of sugar and spices. Best prepared with fatty cuts such as pork belly, neck, or shoulder, the meat is thoroughly coated with a thick, caramelized sauce that usually employs palm or brown sugar, garlic, and fish or soy sauce.

Mu wan is rarely enjoyed on its own, and it is typically served alongside steamed rice or green papaya salad (som tam).