Paratha Point, Fremont

Meals at Taste of Thai begin long before the first bit. As guests open the door, the scents of Thailand engulf them. The bistro's recipes use complex combinations of herbs and spices are to blame. But once the meal does begin, it might do so with appetizers of satay chicken and deep-fried tofu, or spicy-sour tom yum soup with cilantro and coconut milk. Many of the entree options can be prepared for vegetarians, including sautes, stir-fry, and five kinds of curry, though halal cuts of chicken or beef are also waiting in the wings for their big shot. The chef's specials introduce seafood, such as whole deep-fried fish with chili sauce, or the Hot Ocean, a seafood blend with chilies, onions, and a liberal helping of Poseidon's tears.