Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Kami memeriksa menu sebelum memesan makanan.

Kami = we (excluding the person you’re talking to).
Kita = we (including the person you’re talking to).
In this sentence, kami implies the listener isn’t part of the group. If you’re talking to someone who is included (e.g., your dining partner), use kita: Kita memeriksa menu sebelum memesan makanan.

Why do the verbs start with me-: memeriksa, memesan? What are their base forms?

The base verbs are periksa (check/examine) and pesan (order). Indonesian adds the active transitive prefix meN- to form memeriksa and memesan. Before a root starting with p, the p drops and meN- becomes mem-: meN- + periksa → memeriksa, meN- + pesan → memesan. These forms typically take a direct object.

Is memeriksa the most natural verb for looking at a menu?

It’s fine and neutral–formal. More casual options you’ll often hear are melihat-lihat menu, mengecek menu, or baca menu. At a restaurant, Kami lihat-lihat menu dulu... sounds very natural.

Do I need to say makanan after memesan?

Not necessarily. In a restaurant context, already implies food or drinks, so is fine. Add the object for clarity or contrast: , , .