To a treat that, no matter where you are in the Caribbean, you’ll find some version of it.
Let’s talk all things coconut turnover — well, that’s what we call it in Grenada.
A treat where the star is not only versatile, but captures everything tropical and comforting about the Caribbean:
Coconuts
From the bright red swirl to the burst of spice in every bite, I’m almost obsessed with this pastry. Okay…maybe not as much as I love cheesepaste sandwiches (those are my number one), but these definitely hold a place in my top five.
My first memory of this treat starts in a bakery my family used to own in Grenada. I’d always ask for a coconut turnover — especially when they were just sliced and still slightly warm. Pair it with a cold drink, and it was instant comfort.
What I love most is the texture: the crunch of toasted coconut mixed with a soft dough. The balance is just right.
This is a treat that carries its own name and story depending on where you go in the Caribbean. In Grenada, you’ll find coconut turnovers being sold everywhere — from bakeries and shops to food vendors across the island. While in Trinidad, they’re also called coconut rolls or turnovers (depends on who you ask..lol). In Guyana, they’re known as Salara, and in St. Lucia, you’ll see a variation more like a soft dinner roll — usually without the coloring.
For Grenada, one of the things that makes our coconut turnovers so recognizable is the signature red swirl in the filling. It’s vibrant, eye-catching, and almost always part of the pastry.
Why red? No one knows exactly — it’s one of those traditions passed down from generation to generation. Maybe it was meant to make the coconut stand out or simply to bring a sense of celebration to a humble treat. Whatever the reason, the color has stuck, and now it’s a part of our culinary identity. Ask anyone from Grenada — if it’s not red inside, something feels off!
Despite the name changes and recipe tweaks, one thing remains the same: this is a treat loved across the Caribbean. And no matter where you’re from, you probably have a coconut pastry that reminds you of home.
This recipe is my Grenadian version — filled with spiced, sweet coconut and wrapped in a soft dough. It’s a reminder of childhood, community, and the joy of sharing something sweet. Is this a treat you’d love to make?
And if you grew up with these, I want to know what you call them — drop your flag in the comments and let’s celebrate all the Caribbean versions of this coconut classic!
Let’s Keep the Sweetness Going
Subscribe for more recipes & stories
Tag @thesweetlifewithchrissy with your version
Drop your flag in the comments—what do you call this treat?
